asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of persons, normally resident in Northern Ireland, joined the Defence Forces of this State during the emergency period; that, on demobilisation, they have returned to Northern Ireland; that they are not entitled, during periods of unemployment in Northern Ireland, to receive unemployment benefit; that they are being discriminated against in regard to employment; and whether, having regard to these considerations, he will take suitable measures to secure the payment to such people of unemployment benefit in respect of periods of unemployment after demobilisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit for ex-Army Men.
No such case has come to my notice, and I have no information on other matters mentioned in the question. Unemployment benefit cannot be paid out of the unemployment fund to persons resident outside this State, and there are at present no arrangements under which unemployment insurance contributions paid in this country are available for unemployment benefit purposes elsewhere.
As I have stated previously, certain proposals relating to this matter have been made to the British Government, but I am not in a position to give any indication of the results, if any, which may follow therefrom.
I take it the Minister realises the hardship imposed on any such person who, having served in the Army here during the emergency, has now returned to his home. He happens to be in the Six Counties and he is debarred from receiving any benefit in respect of the contributions which the State paid on his behalf whilst he was serving in the Army. In view of the fact that there appears to be ingratitude to that person who has so served, could the Minister devise some arrangement by which the hardship so involved would be relieved?
The Deputy is aware of our anxiety to have a reciprocal arrangement with the British authorities on this matter, but clearly an agreement with the British authorities is necessary.
In the meantime, could the Minister do anything from our funds to sustain a person who is placed in this position?
No; it would have to be done under reciprocal arrangements.