asked the Minister for Social welfare if his Department have made any formal contact with social workers, voluntary groups, and others working in the social welfare field to ascertain whether the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is serving as an effective barrier to poverty in Irish society.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
39.
A committee comprising members of the Irish Association of Social Workers and officials of the Departments of Health and Social Welfare established by my predecessor hold regular meetings at which various aspects of the supplementary welfare allowances schemes are from time to time discussed.
An evaluation of the operation of the supplementary welfare allowances scheme has also been carried out by the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty. The report on this evaluation is expected some time this year.
I should like to raise the following matter on the Adjournment: the way in which representations made by Deputies to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs on behalf of constituents are being alleged as delaying, if not postponing, applications for the installation of telephones for the people on whose behalf representations are made in the first place.
I will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.