asked the Minister for Social Welfare why share fishermen are not eligible for unemployment benefits under the current social welfare code, as such workers are insurable under the Social Welfare Acts in all other respects; whether he is aware that the present arrangement imposes a severe hardship on the persons affected; and, if so, whether he is now prepared to make a special examination of the matter with a view to restoring to these fishermen, and to such other categories of not fully insured workers as he considers appropriate, the standard rates of unemployment benefit under the ordinary qualifying conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eligibility of Share Fishermen for Unemployment Benefit.
Under the provisions of the Social Welfare (Modifications of Insurance) Regulations the employment of share fishermen is insurable at a special rate of contribution which does not include cover for unemployment benefit. I am not aware that this provision imposes a severe hardship on the persons concerned.
A thorough examination of the matter has already been made in my Department and it has not been found practicable to alter the existing position in relation to share fishermen.
In the case of boats owned by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and sold on hire purchase to fishermen, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider in such cases the insurability of the share fishermen? A boat owned and vested in An Bord Iascaigh Mhara would be an exception to the ordinary rule where the boat is owned by an individual?
I shall put the Deputy's point before the Minister.