asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the great hardship being suffered by many people of 65 years and upwards who have returned from England and whose employment contributions are no longer recognised here, and if he will take the necessary steps, if necessary by introducing proposals for legislation, to make such persons eligible for unemployment benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of Returned Emigrants.
Unemployment benefit is not normally payable here in respect of contributions for unemployment insurancepaid in Great Britain. Reciprocal arrangements for unemployment benefit have, however, been made with Great Britain. These arrangements enable a transfer of 26 contributions to be made if certain conditions are satisfied, and in respect of contributions so transferred unemployment benefit is payable for a maximum of 26 days. If the conditions for transfer are not satisfied a transfer cannot be made whether the applicant be under or over 65 years of age.