47 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will merge the beginning of the tax and social welfare years in early April in the context of budget 2000 and the Social Welfare Bill, 2000. [23607/99]

The rates of weekly social welfare payments announced in last December's budget came into effect in the first week in June 1999.

Last year's budget package represents the biggest ever social welfare budget allocation, amounting to more than £316 million on a full year basis. Bringing the date of these increases forward by eight weeks to the start of the tax year in early April would have cost almost £32 million.

The level of future increases to be provided and the effective dates of those increases, are matters to be decided by Government in a budgetary context having regard to the available resources and in the light of other priorities.

48 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will exempt the first £2,000 of forestry premium payments for social welfare recipients, similar to participants in the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23595/99]

58 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will allow a similar concession to non-contributory old age pensioners regarding the payment of forestry premium which applies to REP scheme recipients on social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23598/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 58 together.