asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why a claim to unemployment benefit made by J.J. O'Sullivan, East Ballinakilla, Bere Island, Co. Cork, has been refused.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIM.
James J. O'Sullivan, of East Ballinakilla, Bere Island, received unemployment benefit to the amount of £17 5s. in respect of claims made by him on the 22nd February, 1924; 29th August, 1924; 22nd November, 1924; and 2nd December, 1925. Subsequent investigation, however, showed that the conditions for the receipt of benefit were not fulfilled in the case of Mr. O'Sullivan while he was in receipt of this benefit, and the claims were accordingly disallowed by the Insurance Officer on the grounds that the claimant was not unemployed and not unable to obtain suitable employment. Mr. O'Sullivan appealed against the decision, which, however, was confirmed by the Umpire, as already explained to the Deputy in correspondence with the Department.
Mr. MURPHY
Will the Minister say whether this man has been deprived of unemployment benefit because of the fact that he is one of a family of thirteen who together hold a small farm?
I believe this is one of the land-holding cases.
Mr. MURPHY
Does the Minister think it reasonable that this man who, with his four brothers, has a small holding, and who himself is not constantly employed, is properly debarred from receiving unemployment benefit?
It is not for me to say whether it is reasonable or not. The Umpire has decided that the claim was not reasonable.
Mr. MURPHY
The Court of Referees awarded this claim in the first instance.
Yes, but the Umpire is the final decider.