asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the hardship imposed on applicants for unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance in North Cork by having to wait several weeks for a decision on their claims; and, if so, if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Cork Unemployed.
I am not aware that applicants for unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance in North Cork have to wait several weeks for decisions on their claims. If the Deputy is aware of any case in which there has been undue delay, I would be glad if he would furnish me with full particulars so that the matter can be examined.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if some of these applicants would be persons who have British stamps and whose claims have been held up, pending the making of a new reciprocal arrangement with the British Government?
That is so.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if that agreement has been concluded yet, because a similar situation exists in many other places?
Instructions as to the payment of claims to unemployment benefit arising under the reciprocal arrangement have not yet been issued, and there may be cases held up on this account.
It is not concluded yet?
I could not say that.