asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the hardships inflicted on discharged soldiers owing to their cards not being stamped during their period of service in the National Army; if he is aware that many hundreds are now walking the streets seeking employment, and not in receipt of unemployment allowance: if he will seek for an alteration in the regulations that will enable these men to receive the unemployment money for the same period as that granted to ordinary civilians.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE FOR EX-SOLDIERS.
I am aware that a number of men discharged from the Army are not eligible for unemployment benefit because they have no contributions to their credit. Such cases are limited to men who, before joining the Army, were not normally employed in an insurable occupation, and they are, consequently, in no worse position because of their Army service. Where a man normally employed in an insurable occupation joined the Army, the contributions necessary to keep him in insurance are paid, although Army service is not an insurable occupation. This position could not be altered without legislation.
Mr. BYRNE
I ask the Minister whether something cannot be done to relieve the distress amongst discharged army men who are seeking employment?
That is a separate matter altogether.