asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Corporal Christopher Mullaly, Army No. 218, and Unemployment Book No. 97634, who joined the National Army on the 12th July, 1922, and was discharged 29th September, 1923, after signing (for fourteen days) the Unemployment Register at Droichead Nua, was informed that he was not entitled to benefit, although he was drawing benefit prior to enlistment, and had one week's benefit to his credit; whether, as this man is unable to find employment, enquiries will be made with a view to payment, and also instructions given to have such cases thoroughly investigated and payment expedited.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - DISCHARGED SOLDIERS' UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT.
With reference to your starred question for Friday, the 2nd instant, on the subject of Corporal Christopher Mullaly's claim to unemployment benefit, I have had enquiry made and find that as no contribution under the Unemployment Insurance Acts was ever paid for him before he joined the Army, he is not eligible at all for unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923. He has previously received Uncovenanted Benefit, i.e., benefit not supported by contributions in the years 1921 and 1922, but all schemes of Uncovenanted Benefit have been definitely terminated, and, as you are aware, benefit is now only payable strictly in proportion to unexhausted contributions. No contributions are payable by the Army in respect of Mr. Mullaly's army service, because he was not normally engaged in an insurable occupation before he enlisted.
In the above circumstances it will be appreciated that there is no ground whatever for the suggestion in the last part of your question that any such cases are not thoroughly investigated and promptly paid where payment is due.