asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in reaching a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) whose unemployment assistance claim has been held up since last October.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance Claim.
6.
The question implies that a decision is outstanding in this case and this is not correct. The applicant did not reply to an inquiry addressed to him on 8th January, 1970, requesting him to furnish a statement which would enable his earnings in the previous year to be established. His qualification certificate was accordingly revoked with effect from 4th February, 1970, on the ground that he had failed to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit in his case for entitlement to unemployment assistance. The application was notified of this decision on 24th February, 1970, and he subsequently appealed but still did not furnish the required information. The appeals officer confirmed the decision revoking his qualification certificate on 25th March, 1970. Notification of the appeal decision was issued on 6th April, 1970.
Is the Minister aware that all the information that the man could produce was handed in? I even handed in the information available. Every effort was made by him to provide the information. He could not get the necessary qualification certificate from the society of which he was a member because the rules do not allow them to provide this information. Is the Minister further aware that, because of the harsh treatment this man has received, he, his wife and his family have been on public assistance for the past five weeks? I would ask the Minister to have a look at it again. All the information available is in his office.
I was not aware that the applicant is in receipt of public assistance, which would seem to indicate that his means are not good, but I am aware that he has not supplied the necessary information with regard to his income. The Deputy states he is precluded from getting this information because of some rule. That does not necessarily exempt him or make him an exceptional case. The Department must find out what the income is in order to know whether or not he exceeds the statutory limit. I suggest he advises his employers to give the information. If he gives his consent I am sure the employers will furnish the information. One cannot make exceptions, as the House is aware. I am sorry he is in receipt of home assistance but, in the light of existing legislation and under the regulations, the Department must find out what this man's means are.
This man gave the correct information the first day to the Department and the inspector insisted on his getting certification from the society of which he is a member. The rules of the society preclude the production of that information.
Has the Deputy a question to put?
I should like your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Is there another split?
This is a very big issue.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.