asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that applicants for unemployment assistance resident at Bray and Corobeg, Valentia Island, are compelled to travel over six miles to Knightstown to register at the Garda station; and, if so, whether he will sanction an arrangement whereby these applicants can register at the sub-post office, Chapeltown, Valentia.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Registration.
Persons who reside over six miles from a local office of my Department are exempt from the obligation of attendance there. They are facilitated to the extent that a weekly certificate signed at the nearest Garda station is accepted as proof of unemployment and they are paid by post. The persons to whom the Deputy refers come within that category. I do not think it desirable to depart from the normal arrangements either by changing the place of signing or accepting certificates from persons other than Gardaí, unless there are very special circumstances, which do not appear to be present in the case referred to by the Deputy.