asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of unemployed dock workers not involved in the stoppage or dispute at Dublin docks resulting from the demand for holidays, were refused unemployment benefits at the employment exchanges although in full benefit and their insurance cards were stamped up to date; if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will take the necessary steps to prevent a repetition of such refusal to pay benefits which has resulted in hardship to the families of the dockers during the week ending Saturday, 6th July.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dockers' Unemployment Benefits.
The law provides that an insured contributor who has lost employment owing to a stoppage of work which was due to a trade dispute at the premises at which he was employed, is disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit. Any person who is aggrieved with the decision given on his claim has a statutory right of appeal to a Court of Referees. That right has been exercised by the dock workers referred to in the question and several appeals are listed for hearing by the Dublin Court of Referees to-day.