andMr. Ryan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if in view of the recent increase in bus fares and the continued high rate of unemployment he will now consider having branch employment exchange offices opened in Ballyfermot, Dublin, and other densely populated areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Branch Employment Exchange Offices.
20.
In general the regulations governing attendance at the Local Offices of the Department for the purpose of furnishing evidence of unemployment require persons who reside within 2 miles from the Local Office to attend daily; those who reside over 2 miles and up to 4 miles to attend on alternate days and those resident over 4 miles and up to 6 miles to attend once per week. Persons resident over 6 miles from the Local Office are not required to attend at all and instead they furnish evidence of unemployment certified by the Garda Síochána.
Relaxations of these requirements are in operation in the Dublin area and provide that persons (other than dock labourers and other casual workers) resident up to 2 miles from the appropriate Employment Exchange be required to attend only on alternate days; those resident over 2 miles and up to 4 miles to attend on two days per week while those who reside over 4 but less than 6 miles from the Exchange—of whom there are some in the Ballyfermot and other areas in the outer suburbs—are required to attend once per week. I regard these requirements as very reasonable and therefore do not propose to provide branch employment offices in the areas mentioned.
I would point out to the Deputies that it is incumbent on me to see that such arrangements are made as will satisfy me that those who claim unemployment benefit or assistance are not only capable of work but are genuinely available for work. I would also add that the level of unemployment is now considerably lower than at this period last year or the year before.