asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether Mr. Edward Fitzpatrick, of Claregate Street, Kildare, who was discharged at his own request from the Army in January, 1949, was entitled to unemployment benefit or assistance after his discharge; and, if so, whether he applied for or received any such benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Application.
Mr. Edward Fitzpatrick, of Claregate Street, Kildare, had 495 contributions credited to him in the unemployment fund in respect of his service with the Defence Forces. He did not make any application for unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance.
Can the Minister say, from the records of his Department whether the man was unemployed?
The facts of the case, as known to my Department are that Mr. Fitzpatrick left the Army at his own request and sailed for America the day after he was released from the Army as he stated he was promised employment there. His wife is an American citizen and she was most anxious to make a home in America. I understand that she had and her seven children hope to sail for the United States in the course of a few days if, in fact, they have not already sailed.