asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make early proposals to amend the Unemployment Insurance Acts so that many thousands now unemployed, with no means of support for themselves or their families, can receive immediate benefits.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACTS.
The Unemployment Fund being in debt to the amount of £1,283,700, is not in a position to afford the payment of additional benefits, and I cannot, therefore, recommend proposals for the extension of unemployment benefit. An attempt to exact from productive industry in its present state such greatly increased contributions to the Fund as would enable it, as contemplated in the question, to provide means of support for many thousands, would inevitably result in a corresponding reduction in the power of industry to maintain employment even at its present level.
Mr. BYRNE
I would like to ask if the Minister has any proposals in mind which are likely to give immediate relief to those requiring it?
I think the answer given by the President to the first question should be sufficient answer to the Deputy on that point.