Is the Minister aware that I have communicated with the Department about a number of the type of cases I referred to earlier? I have an acknowledgment of my most recent communication but there has not been any improvement in the position because the local authority have not changed their policy and have not been notified by the Department to do so. I would be grateful to the Minister if he made a clear statement on whether the local authority are authorised by the Department and whether any money has been provided for this purpose.

I am aware of a recent communication from the Deputy but I cannot recall earlier correspondence from him. I will be replying to the Deputy in full in the next few days, outlining the position.