asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the clerical employees of the two bacon factories in Tralee, County Kerry were disallowed unemployment benefit during the bacon factory dispute in October 1967, while the applications of similar employees of the Cork bacon factories were allowed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Factory Clerical Employees.
43.
The claims for unemployment benefit made by the employees in question in Tralee were disallowed by a statutory deciding officer under the trade dispute provisions of the Social Welfare Acts. The information furnished at an oral hearing of two test appeals brought against these decisions indicates that in the Tralee cases the employees in question were notified by their employers that from a certain date they would be kept on, where possible, on a day to day basis but that they did not report for work and had, indeed, been instructed by their trade union not to pass the picket mounted by the union on strike. The appeals officer consequently upheld the decisions that the claimants concerned were participating in the dispute, and therefore, disqualified for benefit. In the Cork cases, on the other hand, the position was that business was suspended for the duration of the strike and hence the question of participation in the dispute by reason of failure to report for work did not arise.
When these employees were paid in Cork, why were they not paid in Tralee?
I think the answer to the question gives the reason, that both cases were not identical. In the Cork case they were definitely made aware that the work would not be available, whereas in the Tralee case they were told work would be available on a day to day basis.
The same notification was given to all workers, both in Tralee and in Cork.
That is not the evidence.
I was told that the reason they were paid in Cork was the pending by-election.
That is not correct.
I have been told that by people who have their ears to the ground.
I am quite sure the appeals officers of my Department were not interested in by-elections.