asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been deserted for 12 years and has been approved for the deserted wife's allowance for a long time, without any result; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person concerned claimed deserted wife's benefit on 24 September 1982 and it has been awarded to her with effect from 30 September 1982. An order book payable from 3 March 1983 was forwarded to the designated post office on 28 February for collection by her and she was notified accordingly.

A payable order for the amount of the arrears due for the period from 30 September 1982 to 2 March 1983, adjusted in respect of unemployment benefit received by her in that period, has been sent direct to her.

A previous claim from this woman was refused in November 1979 as she did not make herself available for interviews by the investigating officer. Earlier, in January and February 1977, two application forms were sent to her following representations on her behalf by the Deputy but neither was returned.

10.