asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a school bus driver (name supplied) in County Meath has been refused unemployment benefit during a period of unemployment from the 4th July, 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit.
11.
The claim for unemployment benefit in this case was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that the claimant, who is also a farmer, was not available for full-time employment on cessation of the employment as school bus driver. The claimant has appealed against the disallowance and he is, of course, entitled to attend at the appeal hearing, which is fixed for Monday next, and give evidence in support of his appeal.
Surely the Minister will agree that this man did not have his employment terminated in the normal way. He was knocked off for the school holidays. He was, in fact, available during the period in which the school was open and he resumed as a school bus driver when the school re-opened. Is the Minister aware that it is the practice of the Department to disallow out of hand school bus drivers and would he try to get his colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare, to do something about this because it is most unfair?
It is not correct to say that there is a practice in the Department automatically to disallow school bus drivers. In fact, there are school bus drivers who are allowed. Each case is treated on its merits.
The Minister is aware, I am sure, that in very, very few cases have school bus drivers been allowed. They have only been allowed as a result of the matter being raised with the Minister himself. Surely this is a position which should not operate where people are stamping cards in the normal way.
I am sure there is no overall policy in relation to school bus drivers as such. Each case is treated on its merits.
Would the Minister like a list of the people who have applied and been disallowed?
Would the Deputy like a list of those who have been allowed?
I would.
Subject to whatever requirements may apply as to secrecy, I certainly undertake to supply the Deputy with such a list.