asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that in such areas as the rural districts of West Cork the unemployment period for single men does not expire till June and for married men on the 1st March; and whether, considering the present economic difficulties, he will extend the period for married men to 1st June until turf development or harvesting schemes will reopen, and so place married men and single men on the same basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Unemployment Period.
No distinction is made between single men and married men as stated in the Deputy's question. The distinction is between landholders and others. For some years past the employment period Orders operating from early in March have applied only to persons resident in rural areas who are occupiers of land exceeding £2 in valuation and who are not members of the special register of agricultural and turf workers. The employment period Orders affecting other classes of rural applicants for unemployment assistance did not come into operation until about mid-June and no change is proposed this year.