asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will explain the present delay in obtaining transfers of unemployment contributions from Great Britain to the Republic under the reciprocal agreements of 1948; and, further, if he is aware that these delays impose undue hardships on contributors in so far as they are debarred from obtaining unemployment assistance and being submitted by employment exchanges for work on employment schemes pending their drawing of the benefit to which they are entitled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Contribution— Reciprocal Arrangements.
The repeal of the Unemployment Insurance Acts and the bringing into force on the 5th January lastof the provisions of the Social Welfare Act, 1952, relating to unemployment benefit terminated the operation of the agreement for reciprocity in the matter of insurance for unemployment benefit made in 1949 with the Minister of National Insurance in Great Britain. A new agreement, which includes revised provisions relating to unemployment benefit has been made and is embodied in the Schedule to the Social Welfare (Great Britain Reciprocal Arrangements) Order, 1953, made by me on the 18th February. The agreement has effect from the 5th January and action is proceeding to clear as expeditiously as possible the claims for unemployment benefit affected.
Does the Minister realise that these unfortunate migrants who return are now debarred from being submitted for employment at employment exchanges pending their drawing of whatever benefit to which they may become entitled? As a result, they are denied employment on special schemes. Would he, in the meantime, pending an arrangement whereby payment of benefit may be expedited, consider permitting them to submit their names for employment on these special schemes?
Unfortunately, there was some lapse of time between 5th January and 18th February when the claims of those coming back from Great Britain had to be put aside. However, they will be dealt with as quickly as possible, and I think the Deputy can be assured that in the course of a week they will all be cleared.
Is it right that these people who have claims pending under these agreements are debarred from being submitted for suitable employment?
They are not being submitted.
As long as they sign on at the employment exchange, they are eligible for employment.
No. Their nameswill not be submitted pending the drawing of the benefit.