asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why unemployment insurance benefit is not being paid to John Jones, Upper John Street, Wexford.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WEXFORD MAN'S UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFIT.
Only 45 contributions have been paid up to the present for John Jones, of Upper John Street, Wexford. In respect of these contributions he has been paid in the current benefit year benefit for 45 days on a claim made by him on the 30th October. Under existing legislation, there is no power to pay him further benefit unless and until further contributions have been paid for him. Contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Acts become payable in respect of employed persons when they reach 16 years of age. It appears that there was doubt as to the exact date on which John Jones reached insurable age, and in consequence it may have happened that his last employers should have commenced to pay contributions in respect of his employment earlier than they did. It is understood that they are willing to pay any contributions that may be due when Jones satisfies them as to his age. If further contributions are paid, it will be open to Jones to renew his claim for benefit.