asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is his intention to send a circular letter to public assistance authorities explaining that the refusal of social welfare benefit or assistance under the Social Welfare Acts, because of stoppages of work due to a trade dispute, does not extend to the provisions of the Public Assistance Act, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refusal of Social Welfare Benefits.
31.
The answer is in the negative.
Is the Minister satisfied with what he knows happened during the recent trade dispute when actual hardship was caused to certain families, which was not alleviated by the local authorities because of a mistaken idea that the provision did not extend to them? In those circumstances, does he not consider that something should be done to prevent a recurrence of such hardship?
I think the provisions of the Public Assistance Act are quite clear and well known.
Is the Minister aware that even in this city grave hardship was caused because of the fact that those provisions apparently were not well known to those who are supposed to administer them?
I am aware that each case was considered on its merits as required by the Public Assistance Act.
Does the Minister not know that for a period of several weeks, no provision was made for people who were in actual want?
I am not so aware. I am satisfied that the public authority concerned were under no such misapprehension.
All I can say is that the Minister is easily satisfied.