asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that a number of miners who last week applied at his Department's office at Callan for unemployment assistance to maintain themselves and their families were refused assistance, that the men concerned were compelled to seek assistance because work was not resumed in the local mines after a temporary stoppage; and, if so, if he will state the grounds on which assistance was refused.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilkenny Miners' Unemployment Assistance.
A stoppage of work due to a Trade Dispute took place at Ballingarry Collieries on the 13th October. According to the information available to the Department the stoppage continued up to and including the 1st November.
Under the Social Welfare Act, 1952, a person who loses employment by reason of a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute at his place of employment is disqualified for the receipt of unemployment benefit while that stoppage continues.