asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the number of unemployment insurance benefit claims suspended, at the Tullamore Employment Exchange, during the three months ended 30th June, 1947; the number of such claims subsequently sanctioned; the average period taken to investigate the claims in question; whether these claims were suspended by order of the headquarters of the Department; whether he is aware that the majority of the claimants and their dependents were without means during the long period taken to investigate such claims; whether he will now state the reason for suspending payment in such a large number of cases; and if he will issue instructions that, whenever such claims are suspended in future, a decision will be issued to those concerned within a reasonable period of time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Benefit Claims.
I am not aware of any unusual number of claims to unemployment benefit having been suspended at Tullamore Branch Employment Office during the three months ended 30th June, 1947.
Payment of unemployment benefit must be suspended where any doubt arises as to the fulfilment of the statutory conditions or freedom from statutory disqualification. The necessary inquiries in such cases are made with the utmost despatch. If the Deputy has any cases in mind where unnecessary delay is suspected I shall be glad if he will let we have particulars.
Would the Minister answer the question? In how many cases was benefit suspended during the period mentioned?
As far as I can find out none at all during that period.
The Minister has not the correct information.
I have the correct information. It is the Deputy who has not the correct information.
There were 41 suspended during that period.