asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that local authorities do not stamp unemployment cards in respect of men employed on minor employment schemes and whether he is prepared to insist on such a requirement in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Insurance Cards.
Mr. Murphy
Most, if not all, minor employment schemes are concerned directly or indirectly with agriculture and as employment in agriculture is specifically excepted from the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, no contributions under those Acts are payable in respect of persons employed on such schemes.
With regard to the latter part of the question, it is not intended to amend the present law in the matter. The question of bringing such workers within the ambit of unemployment insurance is, however, being considered in connection with the new social security scheme.
Mr. Murphy
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that local authorities do not stamp cards in respect of carters employed in a non-permanent capacity and whether he is prepared to take action in the matter.
As far as I am aware, local authorities carry out their obligations in regard to the insurance of carters under the Unemployment and National Health Insurance Acts where the nature of the employment is such as to bring it within the scope of those Acts.
If the Deputy furnishes me with particulars of any cases in which it appears that the law is not being observed, I shall be glad to have the matter investigated.