asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that appellants appearing before courts of referees are required to pay their own travelling expenses to the place of sitting, while vouchers are issued to them to cover their journey home; and if he will arrange for the issue to appellants of vouchers covering their double journey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appellant's Travelling Expenses.
Travelling expenses of an appellants appearing before a court of referees are paid only when his attendance is considered necessary for the proper determination of his appeal. In such a case a travel warrant for the journey to and from the court centre is issued with a notice informing him at what sitting of the court his case will be heard. Warrants for single journeys are not issued unless in very exceptional circumstances.
Would the Minister make provision in future that people attending a court of referees shall be issued with travelling vouchers from the local branch?
They do get them, if required.
I know of cases of people who have had to borrow the train fares and others who have had to walk from Cahirciveen to Tralee, a distance of 40 miles, and who have had to stay overnight in the town.
If the person is required at the appeal he gets his expenses.
Only the return voucher.
No, he gets all expenses.