asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that James McLoughlin, of 54 York Street, Dublin, applied for benefit under the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1933; that he was constantly employed for nine years until 1926 and casually employed until 1932, and that since then he has been unemployed; that he has only been allowed 2/- per week unemployment assistance benefit, and if he will state on what grounds full benefit has been withheld from this applicant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Payment.
James Patrick McLoughlin, of 54 York Street, Dublin, made application on the 14th March, 1934, for a qualification certificate under the Unemployment Assistance Act of 1933. A qualification certificate was issued to him certifying that his weekly rate of means corresponding to the annual rate calculated in accordance with the Act was 8/3. The rate of unemployment assistance applicable to the applicant in accordance with the Schedule to the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1933, is 9/- per week, reduced under Section 17 (2) (b) of the Act by 1/- per week for every shilling or part of a shilling by which his weekly rate of means exceeds 2/- per week. The rate of unemployment assistance payable to him under the Act is, therefore, 2/- per week.
The applicant has appealed against the rate of means stated on his qualification certificate, and his appeal will be decided by the Unemployment Appeals Committee at an early date. If the Committee decide to reduce the assessment of means the amount of unemployment assistance payable on his application will be increased accordingly.
May I ask the Minister is he aware that this man has no means, and will he recommend consideration of his case for that reason? He received as charity between the months of May and October, 1933, food in return for some domestic work. I hope the Minister does not consider that that ought to be put against him in obtaining benefits under the Act.
The Deputy will understand that I have no function in this matter. A decision was made by the unemployment officer, against which the applicant has a right to appeal. The appeal lies to the Unemployment Assistance Appeals Committee. I understand an appeal has been made in this case, and is at present under consideration, but the decision of the Unemployment Appeals Committee will be final.