asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (name supplied) in County Cork applied to the Fermoy exchange for unemployment benefit on 27th March last but so far has received no payment; and if, in view of the fact that he has 20 years stamps, he will give the matter sympathetic and early consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Unemployment Benefit Applicant.
20.
The claim to unemployment benefit made in March last by this person was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that the statutory condition which requires that at least 26 employment contributions be paid or credited in respect of the claimant in the governing contribution year, in this instance 1970, was not satisfied. According to Departmental records the claimant has no contributions for that year, during most of which he stated he was self-employed. While the insured person had a good insurance record up to very recent years, the claim of March last is statutorily governed by the contribution record for the year 1970 and the claim had to fail because of the deficient record for that year. His record for 1971 is also materially deficient.
The person also made an application for a qualification certificate for unemployment assistance. The application has been refused by a deciding officer on the ground that the applicant's means calculated in accordance with the Unemployment Assistance Acts exceed the means limit in his case for obtaining a qualification certificate. The applicant is being notified of this decision and of his right of appeal against it, if he is dissatisfied.
Can the Minister say is that because his wife is working?
I could not say.