asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the reasons why John Magan, of Derrinturn, Carbury, Co. Kildare, has been refused Unemployment Benefit in Edenderry Labour Exchange Office; whether he is aware that this man was working the first half of 1923, and whether he applied for and was refused a card for that period by the Edenderry Agent; whether the case was then brought before the Finance Committee of the County Council, who made an order that the road-ganger should stamp this man's card, and if the latter was prevented from doing so by the Exchange Agent; further, whether he will have investigation made as to the action of this official and with a view to ensuring that the interests of insured persons under the Act are protected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARBURY (KILDARE) UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIM.
John Magan, of Derrinturn, Carbury, Co. Kildare, claimed Unemployment Benefit at Edenderry on the 22nd February, 1924, and his claim was disallowed because he had no contributions to his credit. There was some unavoidable delay in coming to a decision on the claim, because of the fact that the applicant had spelled his name variously. When applying for an Unemployment Book in August, 1923, he had signed himself "Magan," and this is the name by which he was registered in the Unemployment Fund. In his claim for benefit he signed himself "McGann," and, in addition, there was a difference in the age stated on both occasions. When he lodged his claim Magan was unable to produce his Unemployment Book, alleging that it was in the possession of the County Council. When the local officer of this Department applied to the County Council for it he was informed that Magan's name could not be traced in the records of the Council and that the Council had not possession of his book. Magan himself produced his book on the 23rd May. It appears that he had been employed by the County Council in 1923, but contributions were not paid for him. The local officer of this Department did not prevent the representative of the Co. Council from stamping the book, but owing to the nature of Magan's employment it was very doubtful whether contributions were payable at all in respect of the employment in question, and that aspect of the case is still under consideration.