asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will make a statement as to the present position of the negotiations with the British Government regarding the payment of unemployment benefit to Irish workers who have returned to Ireland and who have paid unemployment contributions to British funds during the period of their employment in Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit.
I am not in a position to make any statement at the moment beyond saying that the representations made to the British authorities in the matter are still under consideration.
The Deputy will, no doubt, have noted in this morning's newspapers, reports that the matter was under discussion in the British House of Lords on yesterday, and that it was stated that a scheme had been worked out and would shortly be discussed with the Irish Government. I am not yet aware of the details of the scheme or the classes it covers.
The Minister intimated in January last that a communication had been received from the British Government in December, 1945. Has any communication been received since that date?
No.