I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 17 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on the Department's behalf by the community welfare service of the health boards. The scheme is currently being reviewed by an inter-departmental working group chaired by my Department as part of its series of expenditure reviews. The working group is composed of representatives from my Department, the Departments of Finance and Health and Children and the health boards. The review is a fundamental appraisal of the scheme aimed primarily at improving customer service and administrative efficiency. All aspects of the scheme will be examined. The review also provides an opportunity to refocus the scheme, and the health boards' community welfare service of which it is part, to become more effective in tackling poverty and social exclusion.