asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider the establishment of a court of referees under the Unemployment (Assistance) Acts at Killybegs, County Donegal, for the convenience of applicants who have to travel up to 30 miles at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Court of Referees.
The number of cases in which questions are referred to a court of referees in respect of applications for unemployment assistance made at Killybegs would not justify the setting up of a separate court of referees in Killybegs. The area is served by the court of referees at Letterkenny and appellants whose attendance at the hearing of their cases is considered necessary by the court are supplied with free travel warrants.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, in the case of applicants for unemployment assistance who reside in that particular area, they have to travel to Letterkenny to the court and so must spend two days in getting there and back. While these unfortunate men are issued with travel vouchers they are not given anything for their subsistence for the two days they have to spend travelling. Having regard to the very large hinterland from Killybegs to Glencolumbcille and on down to Ardara, would the Parliamentary Secretary not reconsider his decision and have a court of referees established at Killybegs?
It is not compulsory for an appellant to attend the court.
But he is prohibited from having a solicitor.
Yes, but he can have somebody to represent him.
It is difficult when you live 40 miles away.
Only one case was notified to travel last year. Further, there is no accommodation for a court of referees in Killybegs.
There are any number of vacant buildings there.