asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) who appealed against the refusal to grant him unemployment benefit has been disqualified from benefit in view of the fact that the insurance stamps put on his card by CIE were from his own source of income.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit Applicant.
118.
The person in question was not disqualified for unemployment benefit on his recent claim covering the period 8th August, 1972, to 2nd September, 1972. The position is that the man received holiday pay for the first seven days of that period and was due to resume the employment on 4th September, 1972, which, in fact, he did. A deciding officer disallowed benefit for those seven days on the ground that the claimant was not unemployed within the meaning of the Social Welfare Acts on those days. Benefit was admitted and paid for the remainder of the claim less three waiting days.
The disallowance of benefit for the seven days of holiday pay was upheld on appeal.
Is the Minister aware that it has been the practice of his Department to disqualify the CIE school bus drivers from unemployment benefit when they are out of work because of school holidays? Would the Minister look into the matter because it is a serious problem for the people concerned? There are some people who are only part-time bus drivers but there are quite a number who have no other job. I am sure the Minister will agree it is unfair that they should be included in a general disqualification rather than having each case investigated. Will the Minister look into this matter?
I will do so.
If I give the Minister particulars, will he investigate them?
It would be helpful.