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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1924

Vol. 6 No. 22

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DROICHEAD NUA UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIM.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Thomas Farrell, Unemployment Book No. 1176, Droichead Nua Office, has been signing the Unemployment Register since 12th May, 1923, and has not yet received benefit; further, to ask whether, in view of the fact that he is in very needy circumstances owing to the delay in dealing with his claim, instructions will be given for immediate payment.

Thomas Farrell, of Droichead Nua, claimed Unemployment Benefit on the 2nd November, 1922, and except for a short interval, received benefit up to the beginning of April, 1923. It was subsequently found that he had received benefit in respect of days on which he was employed. For this he was prosecuted and convicted at Droichead Nua District Court on the 7th February. After the papers were returned by the Chief State Solicitor, no time was lost in making the necessary adjustments in the workman's account. The later claims made by the workman have been duly authorised, and benefit will be paid next Friday.

The delay that has occurred in this case is due to the claimant's own action in representing himself as unemployed for the purpose of obtaining benefit on days on which he was actually employed, and not qualified to receive benefit.

Is the Minister aware that those days for which he was prosecuted were Easter Saturday and Easter Monday; that the offices were not open on those two days, and that, consequently, he could not sign up on those days?

I am not aware of it, but I am aware of the fact that he was actually tried, convicted, and fined.

I do not think that it was a fair conviction.

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