asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the heavy cost in bus fares which has to be incurred by unemployed persons in the Ballyfermot area, Dublin, who must attend twice weekly at Werburgh Street employment exchange; and, if so, if he will arrange for such persons to sign on in some building in Ballyfermot.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot Unemployed: Exchange Centres.
3.
Persons resident in the Ballyfermot area reside mainly between two and four miles from Werburgh Street Employment Exchange. In accordance with normal procedure such persons should attend at the Exchange on alternate days. A concession was, however, granted a few years ago whereby the persons concerned are required to attend on only two days per week. Unemployed persons residing more than four miles from Werburgh Street Exchange—of whom there are some in the Ballyfermot area —are required to attend on only one day per week. I regard these requirements as very reasonable and, therefore, do not propose to provide a signing centre in Ballyfermot.
To comply with the statutory conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit and assistance, recipients must show that they are available for and genuinely seeking employment. As the main sources of employment are to be found in and around the City centre it is to be expected that unemployed persons in Ballyfermot will regularly approach these sources in search of employment.
I would point out to the Deputy that it is incumbent on me to see that such arrangements are made as will satisfy me that those who claim unemployment benefit or assistance are not only capable of work but are genuinely available for work.