asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason certain categories of workers affected by the dispute in Clery's, Dublin were in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance while other categories were excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The legislation governing the supplementary welfare allowances scheme provides that a person involved in a trade dispute is not entitled to an allowance in respect of himself but he may receive payment in respect of his dependants. This provision does not, however, exclude payment to the claimant himself in case of urgent need. Every application is dealt with on its merits, having regard to the circumstances of the person concerned. The foregoing disqualification does not, however, apply to a person at the place of employment who is not participating in or financing or directly interested in the trade dispute which caused the stoppage of work.

The Eastern Health Board administer the supplementary welfare allowances scheme in Dublin and the board have stated that no category of persons covered by the provisions of the scheme was excluded from payment of an allowance. The board are unable to supply more specific information in the absence of details of individual cases.

Like the free fuel scheme, different standards apply for the payment of supplementary welfare allowances. Would the Minister have that situation examined as well so that there would not be anomalies as between one health board and another, which is the cause of hardship and dissension among deserving people?

If the Deputy gives me details I will check them out for him.

What discretion had the community welfare officer in deciding who was entitled to supplementary welfare allowance?

This question seems to be confined to trade disputes.

It covers social welfare allowances.

In trade dispute circumstances.

I want to object to what you are doing in regard to supplementary questions. You are being most unfair to this side of the House.

I do not think so.

Questions are being put down by this side of the House and no supplementary questions are being allowed. We will have to have them all sent for written replies if that is the case.

22.