Would the Minister accept that people on welfare assistance are not in a position to save? Would she consider supplying vouchers for people in these predicaments, to help them to pay their ESB, gas and other bills for essentials? It can also be extended to communion and confirmation expenses, shoes and other items. I share Deputy Bruton's concern over the effect of high moneylending rates on such people.

If the Deputy would like to put that suggestion to us, we shall look into it. The supplementary welfare scheme is, as I said, a flexible one. There is a provision for a once off payment to meet special needs such as the Deputy has mentioned. We have already considered that kind of contingency. If the Deputy has a specific suggestion to put to me, I shall be glad to consider it.

I am calling Deputy McCarthy and then Deputy Richard Bruton for the last question.