asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that fishermen employed on a part-time basis and whose income exceeds £39 per annum, are debarred from qualifying for unemployment assistance, and if so, whether he will introduce proposals to amend existing legislation with a view to increasing the maximum yearly income so as to bring these men within the qualifying category.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.
Fishermen who work for an employer and receive wages or other remuneration are not assessed with means in respect of such employment. Fishermen who use their own boats or gear must be assessed with their net profits in the same way as other self-employed persons. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inequitable to provide for preferential treatment in respect of a particular group or class.
Is the Minister aware that four men who are in partnership in a fishing boat are very often assessed in excess of the true value of their income? Is he further aware that the method of assessment in regard to part-time fishermen is questionable? Will he have inquiries made in connection with these matters?
As the Deputy is aware, if it appears that a person has means unfairly and inaccurately assessed against him there is an opportunity of appealing against any such assessment. If the Deputy will send me particulars of any cases that he has in mind I shall advise him as to the procedure which should be followed in order to ensure that these cases are reviewed. It is not my desire or the desire of the assessing officers that there should be any unfair or inaccurate assessment of the means of fishermen or any other persons.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the number of persons at present in receipt of unemployment assistance at Newmarket, County Cork, employment exchange office.
Sixty-five persons were paid unemployment assistance benefit through Newmarket Branch Employment Office last week.