asked the Minister for Labour if he will take steps to have a second pay hatch provided at the employment exchange, Cork, to facilitate persons in receipt of social welfare benefits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Employment Exchange.
15.
Four pay hatches operate in Cork employment exchange for unemployment benefit each Friday morning. One hatch suffices for the afternoon and evening pay sessions. There are two morning pay hatches for unemployment assistance on Thursdays. While there was pressure on these facilities recently, mainly because of abnormal signings by persons affected by the cement strike, I am satisfied that the present pay arrangements at Cork are adequate. I am keeping the matter under review and if additional facilities are required, they will be made available.
Is the Minister aware that for the past three weeks there has been only one pay hatch in operation in the employment exchange in Cork? People have to queue up for an hour or an hour and a half once a week.
I am told four hatches are available. I was in the Cork employment exchange and it is a very fine one.
I can guarantee to the Minister that there was only one hatch operating for the last fortnight.