asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider reverting to the previous procedure whereby appellants for unemployment assistance or benefits had their appeals heard by local chairmen of courts of referees and not by appeals officers as at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Appeals.
I have examined this question thoroughly and I do not think that on the whole it would be a good idea to revert to the previous procedure. I feel that a good deal often depends on the help given by the assessors who sit with the appeals officer and I have arranged that in the letter of appointment being issued to them they will be asked to give the fullest possible assistance.