asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Private Christopher McCormack, of Sallins, Co. Kildare (Army No. 43236, Unemployment Insurance Book, 2596), who attested on 3rd July, 1922, and was discharged on the 8th November, 1923, has made nine weekly applications to Newbridge Labour Exchange (entailing an expense of 18s. in rail fares), and that, although he has fifty stamps on his unemployment card, he has not yet received any payment; and whether instructions will be given to have payment made at once plus the amount expended on rail fares?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT FOR DISCHARGED SOLDIER.
When Christopher McCormack, of Sallins, made his claim, Unemployment Insurance Benefit could not be allowed, because, since no contributions had been paid for him in the last preceding Insurance Year, he was disqualified by Section 8 (4) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920. He had not filled up the necessary form for claiming contributions under Section 7 of the Act of 1923 in respect of his Army Service in accordance with the usual procedure before demobilisation. It was necessary to get the claimant to fill this form at Newbridge Local Office and to have it certified by the Ministry of Defence. Some delay necessarily occurred in carrying out this procedure, but benefit has already been authorised, and Mr. McCormack will be paid on to-morrow, which is the usual pay day for applicants living in the country. I have no funds at my disposal out of which payment of any expenses incurred by persons attending at Local Offices to claim Unemployment Benefit could be made.