asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment benefit has not been paid to a person (name supplied) in County Offaly who applied last December.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Payment.
10.
All unemployment benefit due to the person concerned was paid last week and further payments will continue to be made weekly at the local office as they become due. The delay in establishing the claimant's entitlement arose from the loss of the 1973-74 insurance card. However, the subsequent inquiries seem to have been unduly and unnecessarily prolonged and I am having this aspect of the matter fully investigated.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there has been a considerable delay on the part of the Department in considering applications for unemployment benefit, which is due mainly to the fact that those applications are invariably referred to the local social welfare officers for investigation?
This question, Deputy O'Leary, refers to a specific case and I cannot allow an enlargement of that matter. Question No. 11.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, Deputy, it would not be in order.