asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cause of the delay in paying unemployment assistance benefit to Mr. J. O'Brien, 112 Oxmantown Road, Dublin, who has been signing for such benefit since the 19th May?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Claim.
John O'Brien, of 112 Oxmantown Road, Dublin, applied for unemployment assistance at the Dublin Employment Exchange on the 19th May, 1936. It became necessary to institute inquiries into the accuracy of certain statements which he made in connection with that and previous applications. These inquiries have not yet been completed and his application for assistance must remain undetermined until they are. If and when it is determined that Mr. O'Brien is entitled to receive assistance upon his application, payment of any assistance to which he may be entitled will be made to him without delay.
Is the Minister aware that this claim has been in for nearly three months and that this man is destitute at the moment? Can he not do something to expedite a decision in this claim in view of the circumstances of the man?
I am informed that the delay arises from the fact that inquiries have to be made in regard to certain statements made by this man which are thought not to be true. I shall, however, endeavour to have the matter expedited.