asked the Minister for Social Welfare if unemployed graduates are entitled to benefits during periods of unemployment, particularly prior to their first employment; and, if not, if he will arrange that suitable benefits will be made available to them, if necessary by the introduction of legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Graduates' Unemployment Benefit.
19.
Graduates, if insured under the Social Welfare Acts for the full range of benefits provided thereby, are eligible to receive unemployment benefit on the same terms as other persons similarly insured.
The scheme embodied in the Social Welfare Acts is a contributory insurance one and unemployment benefit thereunder is provided only for persons compulsorily insurable therefore, as a result of engaging in certain types of employment. Amendment of the scheme so as to make this or any other benefit available to persons not insured under these Acts would be alien to its nature and is not contemplated.