44 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures, if any, he intends to take to give effect to the commitment made by him on the Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill to replace the term "adult dependant" in the social welfare code. [7192/96]

As I made known to the House during Report Stage debate on the Social Welfare Bill, 1996, on 27 March, I intend to provide for the necessary changes to replace the term "adult dependant" by way of the Social Welfare Bill, 1997.

I explained on Report Stage that there are many references to "adult dependant" in the Social Welfare Acts and the parliamentary draftsman advised that it would be necessary to identify and replace all such references and at the same time, to provide for whatever consequential textual amendments which may be required. As some of the provisions of the Social Welfare Bill, 1996 are to come into force with effect from 6 April 1996, it was not possible in the time available to replace the term "adult dependant" by way of amendment of this Bill.

In keeping with the undertaking which I gave on Report Stage, however, I will provide for the necessary changes in next year's Social Welfare Bill.