asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if the contribution by building operatives for wet time was reduced owing to the accumulation of funds; and if he is aware that many painters working on lamp posts, railings and petrol tanks are not now paid wet time benefit, although a weekly contribution is deducted from their pay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wet Time Benefits.
With the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, I reduced by regulations, as from 8th October last, the contributions payable under the Insurance (Intermittent Unemployment) Act, 1942. In the conditions prevailing, I consider that the reserve which the fund has accumulated should prove sufficient to justify the reduction of contributions.
Men engaged in the painting and decoration of lamp posts, some types of railings and petrol tanks are not regarded as coming within the scope of the Act. Whilst so engaged contributions are not payable by them and they are not entitled to benefit. Men who are engaged on the painting and decoration of buildings do come within its scope but the contributions they pay whilst so engaged are not available for benefit in respect of wet time occurring on work which is not insurable.
Mr. Dockrell
Did the Minister say that contributions were not payable by that class of labour when engaged on that work?
That is right.
Mr. Dockrell
I am glad to hear that.