asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why a claim for unemployment benefit made by Mr. Thomas Quealy, Cronegort, Doolin, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, has been rejected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLAIM FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (CO. CLARE).
The claim to unemployment benefit made by Thomas Quealy, of Cronegort, Doolin, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, on the 25th of November, 1924, was disallowed on the statutory grounds that the applicant was not unemployed and was not unable to obtain suitable employment. He exercised his right of appeal, and the case ultimately went to the umpire, whose decision was that the claim must be disallowed on the grounds stated.
Would the Minister say in what special connection the section of the Act applies to that man?
The claimant in this case is the holder of a substantial farm of land, and that circumstance of itself shows prima facie that the man was not unable to obtain suitable employment. In this case there was every consideration given to it. The case was examined in the first instance by the insurance officials, and afterwards by the umpire, who decided that the claim had properly been disallowed.
In a case where a claim has been disallowed and where payment has not been made, will the Minister say what is the position under the Act regarding a refund of the money to the contributors?
The Unemployment Insurance Fund, of course, holds on to the money if any contributions have been paid. The fund is swollen by contributions from people, and these contributions are not payable simply on the basis that a claimant has previously paid contributions. Contributions are only payable when contributions have been paid, and when, amongst other things, suitable employment is not possible.