asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of married British ex-servicemen with families, receiving small pensions, are not eligible for employment on relief schemes, and if he is further aware that, as a result, their families and themselves are suffering severe hardships, and if he will take the necessary steps to make them eligible to obtain the much-needed employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Ex-Servicemen and Relief Schemes.
In regard to eligibility for employment on relief schemes, British ex-servicemen in receipt of pensions are in precisely the same position as any other class in the community who have pensions or other income which must be taken into account in calculating their means under the Unemployment Assistance Act. In relation to this kind of employment, British ex-servicemen are affected, in the same way and to the same extent as other persons who have means, by the operation of the rule under which preference in such employment is given to recipients of unemployment assistance, priority being given to those in receipt of higher rates over persons in receipt of lower rates. The scheduled rates of assistance applicable to all persons are affected alike by their means, amongst which pensions are reckoned. British ex-servicemen are already as eligible for employment on relief works as any other class and I cannot adopt the Deputy's suggestion that they should be given preferential treatment.