- 51 - 253. The Committee welcomes the substantial budgetary allocation to social protection. It notes with satisfaction the social security legislation introduced to protect pensioners, children, persons with disabilities and others unable to care for themselves, and it further takes note of the fact that the mechanisms to distribute benefits were established in time to help the needy prepare for the last winter season. It welcomes the provision of special subsidies to allow persons living in poverty to satisfy their basic needs and to make it possible for certain vulnerable groups to meet their payment obligations towards communal services and housing. It views with satisfaction that the elderly continue to benefit from free transportation and other special social services. It also welcomes the attention given to mothers with young children and to single mothers. 254. The Committee notes the efforts made by the Government and the institutions concerned to ensure health services to all and to fight the nefarious health consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident of 1986. 255. The Committee views with satisfaction the general success in maintaining compulsory free primary education in the State party. It also expresses satisfaction with the efforts made to ensure enjoyment of cultural rights, including the considerable proportion of the national budget allocated to culture. 256. The Committee views with satisfaction the fact that the Government has been making effective use of international assistance provided in connection with the grave effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and to overcome current economic difficulties. C. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Covenant 257. The Committee notes that the State party is passing through an extremely turbulent period in its existence due to the deep political, economic and social reforms it is undertaking, consequent to its recent constitution as an independent State. The difficulties encountered are aggravated by the legislative vacuums that exist in many areas. The Committee notes that the elections for Parliament have not been completed and that a new draft constitution has not been adopted. Until new legislation is adopted, many of the laws in force in Ukraine as part of the former USSR continue to apply, unless found to be in direct contradiction with its new laws. 258. The Committee notes that the immediate costs of economic transition in Ukraine have included a steep decline in national production, a balance-of-payments deficit and uncontrollable inflation over the past several years. It notes in this connection that the State party is highly dependent on foreign energy supply. The dramatic rise in price for energy imports since independence has induced an enormous increase in the domestic price index. The Committee also notes that efforts to privatize public enterprises have already led to rising levels of unemployment, although, at present, economic reforms are only at the initial stages. Having in mind the experience of other countries in the region, the Committee is aware that a full transition to a market economy in Ukraine will require much time and a radical change in economic and social concepts and behaviour.