asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will confirm that a double week's payment will be made to all recipients of social welfare benefit this Christmas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

19.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to pay an extra week's social welfare to recipients at Christmas; if so, the categories to whom it will be paid; if a full week's payment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

48.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a double payment will be made at Christmas to long term social welfare recipients, including the unemployed.

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 7, 19 and 48 together.

The question of a Christmas bonus is a matter for decision by Government and I will be making an announcement shortly. I will inform the Deputies as soon as possible.

Could the Minister indicate when she will be in a position to make that announcement? Can I anticipate that it will be circulated throughout my constituency by the Senator of my party to coincide with her announcement?

I am afraid that I cannot help the Deputy in terms of when I shall be in a position to make the announcement.

Does the Minister intend to do better than she did last year, when a double payment was not, in effect, granted but only 75 per cent increase given? Many old aged pensioners suffered very badly because they had budgeted for the double payment for the Christmas period.

I feel that I cannot really add anything to the answer that I have already given on that.

Could I ask the Minister——

Can I ask the Minister——

I call Deputy Haughey.

I have Question No. 9 down.

I am sorry, Deputy, I overlooked that.

The Minister indicated in her reply that it would be a matter for Government. May I ask her in that connection if, in view of the very real and genuine importance and significance of this payment to a wide section of people in the community, she will, as Minister for Social Welfare, recommend to the Government that it be paid this year?

I have no further addition to make to the answer that I already gave.

I am asking the Minister if she will——

The Deputy knows that he will not get an answer to that question. He knows that perfectly well.

I am trying to ask a question and the Minister has a statutory responsibility in the matter.

The Deputy knows that is not the position.

She has a duty to answer to this House for her responsibility. Does the Minister favour the payment this year and will she recommend it to the Government?

I have nothing to add.

The Minister refuses to answer. She should be ashamed of herself.

Deputy Mac Giolla has a question down.

On a point of order——

Deputy, I am calling Deputy Mac Giolla.

On a point of order, a Cheann Comhairle, is there any way in which we can get an answer from the Minister? She seems to hide behind something at each question.

Deputy Mac Giolla has a question.

Yes, I have a similar question down. Does the Minister not think it reasonable that the House would have expected, five weeks before Christmas, that she would have made up her mind what she intends doing about this matter? In view of the millions which she is saving on the cutbacks to social welfare recipients, can she assure the House now that she will, at least, improve on last year's performance on that regard?

No, the decision in regard to the double week payment at Chritsmas is not normally made at any different time from now. Of course, the equal treatment directive is costing social welfare, costing the taxpayers, an extra £18 million.

There is a saving.

There are no savings whatsoever and there is an extra expenditure of £18 million.

The Department are saving millions.

This is being financed by those who will be cut back next year.

8.