Is the Minister considering implementing the proposals of the Commission on Social Welfare, thereby paying the social assistance allowance directly to the caring party rather than the social welfare beneficiary?

Sin ceist eile.

This arises directly from the Minister's reply. Is the Minister considering that matter?

I have answered the question in so far as it applies to me at present. The various State supports for elderly people in their homes are a matter the Government will be considering in the context of the budget.

Is the Minister not aware of the problems arising from paying the prescribed relative allowance to the pensioner rather than to the caring person? In many instances it gives rise to problems within families because the pensioner will not pass on the allowance to the person for whom it is intended. Will he not, therefore, make the change recommended by the commission and pay it directly to the caring person?

Mar a deir an Ceann Comhairle, sin ceist eile.

Could I bring in Deputy Barnes?

This matter arises out of the Minister's reply.

It is a matter to be considered in the context of the budget and the Deputy is aware of that.

I asked the Minister this question arising from his reply——

We cannot argue this point now.

Can the Minister tell us whether he is considering the change which he himself raised in his original reply?

That is an extension of the subject matter of this question. I have called Deputy Barnes.