On this section I should like some information regarding the position of a person who returns from England. What length of time does he or she have to wait before being taken on in an employment exchange to requalify for work? A question in this regard was raised with me recently. It concerned a person who had returned from England. When he went to his local employment exchange he was unable to register because he did not have the required number of contributions. Consequently he was for some time unable to get work on a county council.
Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill 1974: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 to 24, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 25.
Question proposed: "That section 25 stand part of the Bill."
He would not be allowed sign on at the labour exchange?
So far as I know, yes. I am not too conversant with the case but he raised this point with me.
He would be quite entitled to sign on the labour exchange.
Without any contributions?
There might be a question of his stamps being acquired in Great Britain. They might have to check for his eligibility on the stamps he acquired in Great Britain, but there would be nothing to debar him from signing.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 26 agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.
Perhaps we could take item No. 2 at this stage. It is the motion for Earlier Signature. There are some sections in the Bill that we want to have in operation by 1st July. It is necessary for that reason to have it signed somewhat earlier than would otherwise be normal.