asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that serious hardships arise from the regulation which lays down three waiting days before an unemployed person may obtain benefit, and, if so, if he will take such steps as are necessary to remedy this position without delay and to permit unemployed persons to receive payment as from the day immediately following the date upon which they become unemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Waiting Period.
Introduction of the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to the Deputy's suggestion is not contemplated. I should perhaps mention that unless an interval of more than 13 weeks has elapsed since unemployment or disability benefit was last obtained, payment is in general made as from the first day in respect of which benefit is claimed. Further, in some cases in which waiting days are necessary on a claim for unemployment benefit, payment of unemployment assistance may be made for the waiting days.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider abolishing altogether the three-day waiting period? Further, would the Parliamentary Secretary state why unemployment benefit is not paid in respect of these three days?
Under previous legislation there was a waiting period of six days. It has been a feature of all social legislation to have a waiting period during which to make investigation. We do not contemplate changing that at the moment.
Why are the unemployed not paid for these three waiting days?
If an employed person has a period of unemployment, he is supposed to have enough to cushion him against the three waiting days.