asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state on what date he proposes to commence the payment of unemployment insurance, on foot of British contribution stamps, to Irishmen who have returned from Britain, with such stamps to their credit, and are now unemployed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Insurance—Payment to Emigrants.
Payment of unemployment benefit cannot be made, in respect of unemployment insurance contributions in the British Unemployment Fund, to Irish men and women who are unemployed following their return here. The making of arrangements for enabling payment of unemployment benefit out of the British Unemployment Fund, in respect of contributions acquired in that fund by reason of service in the United Kingdom Forces during the war, to be made to certain Irish men and women who are unemployed following their return here, is in progress. The necessary legislation will be introduced in the present session. It is expected that discussions for the purpose of examining the question of making reciprocal arrangements in the matter of unemployment insurance under the British National Insurance Act, 1946, will shortly take place.
Am I to understand from the Minister that the British proposals require complementary legislation here?
With regard to ex-members of the forces, yes. Legislation will be introduced on that matter shortly. The other matter is under discussion.