asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any decision has been taken in an unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit case in County Donegal (details supplied); and, if so, the terms of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance and Benefit.
43.
An unemployment assistance application for periods in 1971 and 1972 by the person named in the question was disallowed by the decision of a deciding officer on the ground that he was not unemployed. This decision was upheld by an appeals officer. The overpayment of unemployment assistance arising out of the decision is being recovered from assistance to which the person has since become entitled. The question of unemployment benefit does not appear to be involved.
44.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate the decision in a claim for unemployment benefit (details supplied).
A deciding officer has disqualified the person in question for unemployment benefit for a period of six weeks from 17th April, 1973, on the ground that the person left his employment voluntarily on that date without just cause. Benefit has been admitted from the expiration of that period on 29th May, 1973, and payment has been issued. The claimnant has the option of appealing against the period of disqualification.
There has been considerable delay in dealing with the claim in this instance which I very much regret. I am having the matter fully investigated with a view to ascertaining the precise reasons for such delay and, if the fault was due to circumstances within the control of my Department, I will ensure that steps are taken to prevent a recurrence.