asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the great delays experienced by persons signing at the Dublin, Dún Laoghaire and Bray employment exchanges; and, if so, if he will arrange to have adequate staff provided to deal with the increased numbers now signing at these exchanges.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Delays at Employment Exchanges.
I am aware that persons seeking unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance at certain local offices of my Department have been subjected to delay. This was principally due to changes in procedure necessitated by the implementation of the relative provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1952, on 5th January, 1953. The normal seasonal increase in the number of persons seeking unemployment benefit or assistance was, of course, a contributory factor. All available experienced staff have been assigned to the local offices concerned and the position has now improved considerably. It will improve further as the staff become more familiar with the revised procedure and conditions governing the payment of unemployment benefit and assistance.