24 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of the rent and mortgage scheme under the supplementary welfare scheme for 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2382/97]

The details on expenditure for rent and mortgage interest supplements for 1996 are currently only available up to the end of September. The available information is set out in the following tabular statements:

Rent Supplements 1996 (January — September incl.)