asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reasons for the delay in paying unemployment insurance benefit to John O'Brien, Newbridge, County Kildare (Serial No. 4218), who lodged a claim on the 5th September, 1927; whether claimant received a week's notice and was discharged owing to shortage of work, and whether on discharge his employer refused to return his unemployment card; whether the insurance officer accepted the recommendation of the Board of Referees that unemployment benefit be paid in the case, and if the Minister will expedite payment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFIT (NEWBRIDGE).
John O'Brien, Droichead Nua, County Kildare, claimed unemployment insurance benefit on the 5th September, 1927. The circumstances in which he left his last employment became the subject of investigation. The insurance officer was eventually satisfied in regard to this aspect of Mr. O'Brien's claim, but was, however, obliged to disallow the claim under Section 8 (4) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, since no contributions have been paid in respect of Mr. O'Brien during either of the insurance years 1926/1927 or 1927/1928. It is understood that contributions are due in respect of insurable employment performed by Mr. O'Brien for some 2½ years previous to the date of his claim, and my Department has taken steps with a view to having these contributions paid. Pending their payment Mr. O'Brien's claim cannot be allowed.