asked the Minister for the Public Service the number of widows of deceased civil servants; and the average annual payment which they receive.

The number of widows of deceased civil servants currently in receipt of pensions under the Civil Service spouses' and children's schemes is 3,170. The average annual amount of such pensions is £2,333 (including payments in respect of dependent children).

Would the Minister agree that the widows of civil servants get a raw deal because they lose out on a number of other entitlements? Has the Minister any proposals with his colleague the Minister for Social Welfare to improve their entitlements because at present they are debarred from almost every entitlement under the Social Welfare Acts?

The Deputy is speaking about particular categories of widows. I understand that most Civil Service widows are also in receipt of contributory social welfare widows' pensions which amount to £2,267 per annum, with additions in the case of widows with dependent children.