asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that large numbers of Irish workers who were employed in insurable occupations in Britain have been refused unemployed insurance benefits when they became unemployed and had returned to the Saorstát, owing to no reciprocal arrangements in connection with unemployment insurance benefits being in operation; and whether he will state if any decision has yet been reached with the British Ministry of Labour in regard to the question of reciprocity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in Britain.
No further progress has yet been made in the matter of reciprocal arrangements, but I am expecting a communication from the British Government at an early date.
In view of the fact that this correspondence has been proceeding for quite a considerable time without tangible result, does the Minister not consider it advisable to have direct negotiations rather than rely upon correspondence?
That has been done also.
I understand that it has not been done since the change of Government in Great Britain. Would not direct negotiations be very desirable?
I had direct contact myself with members of the present Government in Great Britain.
With what result?
No result so far.