asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that a large number of persons have been refused unemployment and disability benefit during the current year because they have less than 26 contributions on their insurance cards, and that the small number of contributions results from the abnormal amount of unemployment at present prevailing; and, if so, if he will take steps to alter the regulations with a view to allowing claimants with 15 contributions and over to qualify for benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment and Disability Benefit.
The contribution conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit or disability benefit are:—(1) that a total of 26 contributions have been paid in respect of the claimant and (2) that in the contribution year preceding the benefit year of claim not less than 48 contributions have been paid or credited. As credited contributions may be obtained in respect of weeks of sickness or unemployment, I presume the Deputy's question relates to the first condition.
I am not aware that an abnormal number of claims have been refused because of non-fulfilment of that condition, which would affect only those who have not accumulated 26 contributions since entering insurance.