asked the Minister for Labour when AnCO adult trainee allowances will be increased to take account of the 10 per cent rise in social welfare payments on 30 June 1983; and whether any rise will be backdated to 30 June.

The Government decided in October 1982 in the context of consideration of the Estimates for 1983, that AnCO adult trainee allowance rates should be retained at their existing levels until they equate with unemployment benefit levels.

The rise in social welfare payments on 30 June 1983 brought about the virtual equalisation of rates of unemployment benefit and AnCO adult trainee allowances. An increase in these allowance rates is not contemplated at the present time.

Could I ask the Minister if the original intention of the rate for adult trainee allowances was that it would be an incentive to adult trainees to take the AnCO courses because the allowances were so much higher than the social welfare payments and does he not think that this incentive is still required in order to encourage people to take these courses?

If that was the original intention, I believe that is not necessarily the position at the present time. We certainly have sufficient applications on the basis on which the allowances are made for any of the courses put forward by AnCO.

Would the Minister not now consider increasing the adult trainee allowance?

Seeing that the Minister has not answered Deputy Mac Giolla could I ask him if consideration is being given in the Estimates to increasing the adult trainee allowance to AnCO trainees?

I can assure the Deputy that this will be one time in which they will be considered. I cannot say what the result of that consideration will be.

Could the Minister say if he is optimistic or pessimistic?

I cannot say whether I am optimistic or otherwise.

The Minister will use his pressure on the Minister for Finance?

Questions Nos. 10 to 13 inclusive, postponed.