asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the delay in paying Unemployment Benefit to Michael Burke, 6 Ignatius Street, Waterford; John McGrath, Stephen Street, Waterford, and David Butler, Waterford, all ex-National soldiers, and whether instructions will be given to expedite payment to these men.
WRITTEN ANSWERS - PAYMENT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT.
Michael Burke, 6 Ignatius Street, Waterford, lodged a claim for Unemployment Benefit on January the 9th, which was disallowed because the statutory conditions for the receipt of benefit were not fulfilled, in his case, only one contribution having been ever paid for him. This decision was duly conveyed to the claimant.
John McGrath, Stephen Street, Waterford, claimed benefit on December 31st, 1923. As his account with the Unemployment Fund showed that no contributions had been paid in respect of him during the Insurance Year 1922-23 the claim had to be disallowed under Section 8 (4) on January the 28th. It subsequently transpired that he had served in the National Army and was entitled to contributions under Section 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923. Accordingly on February the 16th, authority was issued permitting payment of benefit to a maximum of 59 days, and he will be paid all benefits due to him to-day.
David Butler, Lower Newtown, Waterford, claimed benefit on January the 21st, 1924. As no contributions had been paid in respect of him during the 1922-1923 Insurance Year he was disqualified for the receipt of benefit under Section 8 (4) of the Act of 1920. His case is, however, being investigated with a view to the payment of further contributions which it is thought may be due for him. If and when those are paid his case will be reconsidered, and any benefit due will be paid without delay.