Would the Parliamentary Secretary give a little further explanation? I think he himself will admit that it is not very easy to understand the section in its present state. Supposing I have £799 now. I have not been insured for the last 5 years, or since I was under £600. Does this section mean that for the year 1957 I will be deemed to have been insured from, say, the 1st January, 1957 onwards?
Committee on Finance. - Social Welfare (Amendment) Bill, 1958—Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 and 2 agreed to.
SECTION 3.
Question proposed: "That Section 3 stand part of the Bill".
Such a person will get credits.
It is just the same; credit is just as good. Would it also mean that I would get credits for fifty-two weeks of the year, whether or not I worked? Even though I was not working, I will be taken as having signed at the employment exchange for a credit?
If there is any contribution at all, he would get credit.
There must be a contribution in the year 1957?
Yes.
There must have been some contribution? There could not have been a contribution if I were over the £600.
The insured person gets 52 credits.
It does not make any difference whether I had stamps or not?
He enters into benefit in the year covered by the contributions.
If I become unemployed now, having £799, I could apply for unemployment benefit next week?
Not until the Bill is law.
I understand that. Supposing the Bill became law next January, I would be entitled to unemployment benefit next January?
Yes.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 4 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
Has the Minister any idea as to when the Bill may come into operation?
Not at the moment.
Assuming that the Seanad passes it before Christmas?
I cannot say at this stage.
It does not necessarily mean next January?
I am not in a position to talk about the date on which it will come into operation. We will try to get it in as soon as possible—I can assure the Deputy of that.
Question put and agreed to.