asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that two painters, named P. O'Mara and J. Robinson, who are registered in the Dublin Labour Exchange, were engaged by the Irish Lights Department, Dun Laoghaire, on June 3rd, 1924, to carry out the painting of the lighthouses at Larne Harbour, and Blackhead, Co. Antrim; that the wages earned were paid through the lightkeepers at the respective lighthouses, who affixed Northern Ireland stamps to their books and cards at the time of payment; that on the termination of their engagement the men lodged their books at the Dublin Labour Exchange, where they were informed that no credit could be allowed for the stamps, valued £5 1s. 4d., affixed in Northern Ireland; whether, in this case, and in future cases of a similar character, he will see that steps will be taken to prevent loss of benefit to workmen.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WORKMEN'S LOSS OF BENEFIT.
I find that substantially the facts are as stated in the question. Under the Unemployment Insurance Acts contributions are only payable in the Free State in respect of employment in the Free State. As Messrs. P. O'Mara and J. Robinson were not employed in the Free State for the period in question, contributions were not payable for them, and if paid could not have been accepted for benefit in the Free State. The contributions paid for these men in Northern Ireland appear to have been properly paid under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in force in Northern Ireland, where they would be entitled to benefit. The case is one which could be provided for in reciprocal arrangements, but as the Deputy is aware, I have not been able to obtain the agreement of the Government of Northern Ireland to any such arrangements.