asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in deciding on a claim for unemployment benefit by a person (name supplied) in County Monaghan; and when the matter will be finalised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Claim.
6.
Inquiries are proceeding in the case in question as to the validity of contributions tendered in support of the claim for unemployment benefit. The investigation has reached the stage at which it is expected that a decision on the claim can be given at an early date.
Is the Minister aware that the social welfare officer who visited the claimant was most aggressive and that when he visited the employer he threatened the law on the person? The employer was a person who was suffering from a nervous illness and he was seriously disturbed. Would the Minister agree that this is not a proper way in which a social welfare officer should conduct his business?
I have no information to that effect with regard to the behaviour of the officer in question. I should be sorry to think that any officer would behave in that manner, but I doubt very much if any officer would behave like that. An officer's job is to ensure that people get the benefits for which they are qualified. Naturally he is required to carry out certain investigations and in this case an investigation was necessary. Officers have statutory obligations; they might have to administer a warning with regard to the possible outcome of statements and this might be interpreted as intimidation.
May I take it that this person will receive payment forthwith?
I cannot give that assurance, I have no power over the decision of the appeals officer. I know that the matter will be examined fully. It is a question of whether the contributions paid were valid.
Would the Minister not agree that this person had the required amount of stamps and that everything was in order? He was carrying out legitimate farm work. Why has there been this undue delay in payment?
That matter must be decided.