asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) at present interned in Northern Ireland has been denied unemployment benefit or assistance despite the fact that the person has the requisite number of social welfare contributions; and in view of the unusual circumstances in this case if he will authorise payment to his family immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Internee's Social Welfare Application.
12.
It is a statutory condition for the receipt of either unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance that the claimant be available for employment. I am advised that an interned person could not be regarded as satisfying this fundamental requirement and could not therefore establish title to receipt of unemployment payments. The fact that the basic contribution conditions for title to unemployment benefit were satisfied would not alter this position.
With regard to the second part of the question, I must point out that the determination of title to unemployment payments is a matter for the statutory deciding authorities and not for me. The insured person in question has not in fact lodged a claim for unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance but persons who have made inquiry from my Department on his behalf in this respect have been fully advised as to the position. I must also say that my information is that the man concerned is unmarried and that a relative who is stated to be dependent on him, and who lives in Northern Ireland, would not be a dependant of his within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts or the Unemployment Assistance Acts.
Does the Minister not agree that this man is not available for work through no fault of his own by virtue of the fact that he has been interned? The Taoiseach has said that all internees are our concern and is this not an opportunity for us to do something about a person who has been interned? Whether he is single or married he is entitled to the benefits for which he has paid by way of contributions and would it not be a very nice gesture for the Minister and the Department to make an exception in this case?
I am sure the Deputy is well aware that a statutory requirement for receipt of benefits is that the person must be available for employment. If one is to change the law for one particular case the whole question of persons in custody——
This person has never been tried.
I am sure the same conditions apply in Northern Ireland. Could the Minister say whether certain persons there are in receipt, or whether their dependants are in receipt, of benefits while they are interned?
I cannot say.
Would the Minister be good enough to make some inquiries?
I could easily find out. However, there is not much point in associating this question with what can be or is being done for internees. There is much that can be done and a lot is being done, but the statutory requirements are such——
Is the Minister aware that when this man is finally released, if he ever is, he will be disqualified for obtaining benefits by virtue of the fact that his cards were not stamped while he was interned in Long Kesh?
That is a separate question. Question No. 13.
Can the Minister not do something about it? Would he not make contract with his opposite number in Northern Ireland about it?