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Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 23 May 1924

Vol. 7 No. 13

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE IN CAVAN.

TOMAS MAC EOIN

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the delay experienced in the payment of Unemployment Insurance benefit in consequence of the closing of the Employment Exchange in Cavan and the transference of the work thereof to the local post office; and if he will arrange to have separate rooms provided in the post office for dealing with claims.

I am not aware that there is any undue delay in dealing with applicants at this office beyond the delay which necessarily occurs at every office when claims require any special consideration or investigation, but if the Deputy will furnish me with particulars I will have inquiry made. I am informed that the accommodation available in the post office does not permit of the provision of separate rooms for dealing with claims.

Is the Minister aware in regard to the accommodation at very many Employment Exchanges that the discomfort of waiting in the rain, very often for hours, is a cause of very great dissatisfaction and discontent, and he is prepared to consider the whole question of the accommodation provided at the Employment Exchanges?

I think it was firstly in the interests of economy, and secondly, in the interests of making better provision for those who had to wait that arrangements were made to transfer this work to the local post offices. The Cavan Post Office seems to be not a good case for experiment of the sort, because the accommodation is not very great. There may be discomfort, and there may be also delay, owing to claimants applying at the counter, in the ordinary way, on pay day, when their claims did not receive special consideration. The whole question of transfer of Unemployment Exchanges to Post Offices, and the particular question of Cavan is being considered, and if the Deputy will assist me by giving specific instances of discomfort or delay. I will be very much obliged to him.

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