I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 20 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Gilmore — the administration of the rent allowance scheme in such a manner that persons on low pay, such as an apprentice hairdresser earning less than £60 per week, are denied a rent allowance which they would be entitled to if in receipt of a similar amount of Social Welfare benefit; (2) Deputy Eric Byrne — the current five month delay in providing replacement spectacles for medical card holders in the Eastern Health Board; and the need to provide additional resources to reduce the waiting lists; (3) Deputy Bradford — the crisis situation in Irish Steel.
The matters raised are considered to be in order and have been selected by me for discussion as follows: Deputy Gilmore, Deputy Bradford and Deputy Eric Byrne.