asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will indicate the circumstances in which a man, recently appointed to the position of postman in the Caltra (County Galway) area, and already the subject matter of Dáil Question No. 90 of the 8th November, 1951, who is the occupier of a holding of land some 30 acres in extent, was permitted to register at his local employment exchange whereby he became available for appointment to the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Caltra (Galway) Appointment.
An individual circumstanced as the Deputy indicates in his question would not be debarred from registration at a local office of my Department for employment. Any person, whether employed or unemployed, is at liberty to have his name entered in the registers.
Is it the position then that anybody may now register at the local employment exchange?
I would indicate to the Deputy that the acreage of land is no criterion for a means test and the fact that a person owns 30 acres is no indication of means.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if it is a fact that a man owning 1,000 acres of land can now register at the local employment exchange and get a job, for instance, as a postman?
He always could.
I would like to point out that this person was the only married applicant for the post and that he is the holder of a military service medal.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state the valuation of the 30 acres?
I cannot.
Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that is the first question he should have asked, with a view to ascertaining means.
The single men who have sought employment have at least 20 acres each.