asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the considerable hardship caused to a person (name supplied) in Dublin who was deprived of unemployment benefit because of temporary absence abroad caring for his invalid wife; if he will take steps, including the introduction of any necessary legislation, to ensure that in such circumstances social welfare recipients are not deprived of benefit; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Applicant.
100.
I am aware of the case in question, in which the man concerned was not paid unemployment benefit for ten days in May last during which he was in England accompanying his invalid wife on a holiday. The refusal of benefit arose because he was not regarded while absent abroad as satisfying the fundamental condition for title to unemployment benefit which requires a claimant to be available for work. Indeed, from the circumstances of the case as then disclosed, it seems questionable whether the person was available for work at home before and since that absence; however, I am glad to say that this aspect need not be pursued as he has now transferred to a retirement pension with effect from 5th October. Retirement pension gives him a financial advantage as compared with unemployment benefit and is, moreover, payable abroad.
Under the EEC regulations concerning the social security of migrant workers, which are to come into effect for this country from April next, a person in receipt of unemployment benefit here who goes to and registers for work in another member state of the Community will be entitled to continued payment of his benefit for a period of up to three months. I do not propose to take any steps which would confer title otherwise to unemployment benefit in respect of temporary absences abroad; the fundamental condition of availability for work must be maintained.