asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that social welfare contributions were not paid in respect of many workers during the maintenance workers strike last year and in consequence many social welfare recipients are now being deprived of full benefit; and if he will indicate what measures can be taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Contributions.
23.
Insurance contributions were not paid or payable for employees directly involved in the maintenance workers strike last year or for employees who became unemployed as an indirect result of the strike though not party to the dispute.
Persons who become unemployed as an indirect result of a trade dispute to which they are not a party are entitled in the normal way to unemployment benefit and to credits while proving unemployment. Persons who lose their employment because of involvement in a trade dispute may be granted credits for periods of proved unemployment. In fact, when notification of loss of employment because of a trade dispute is received, officials of the local offices of the Department of Labour advise the trade unions concerned regarding the provisions for the granting of such credits. In the circumstances, cases of the type mentioned by the Deputy should not arise. However, if the Deputy furnishes particulars of any case or cases he has in mind, I shall have the matter examined.