asked the Minister for Supplies if he will consider increasing the soap ration for children under three years of age, in view of the larger amount of washing of clothes required for such young children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soap Ration for Children.
While I appreciate that the present soap ration is inadequate, and that the washing of infants' clothing may require more than the individual ration, the position should be eased for most families by the pooling of family supplies. Soap-making materials are at present so scarce that it is only with difficulty that the present ration allowance can be maintained. Consideration of any proposal involving increased distribution must, of necessity be deferred.
The Minister indicates that he is aware that additional soap is required for washing children's clothes. Is he also aware that, in many cases, such clothes are not sent to the laundries, as are clothes for adults, and that it is also impossible to use cheap soap substitutes, as in the case of clothes for adults, because their use would cause skin trouble? Further, is he aware that, for some years, there has been a widespread outbreak of gastro-enteritis and that it is essential that children's clothes should be frequently washed?
I appreciate the points made by the Deputy but the fact is that the present ration of soap is completely inadequate and there is no immediate prospect of an increase. It is only with difficulty that we can maintain the present ration.