asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is the policy of his Department to refuse all married women unemployment benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit.
59.
The answer is "No". The question of whether any claimant to unemployment benefit—whether a married woman or other person— satisfies the statutory conditions for title to benefit is a matter for determination, in the light of the facts and circumstances of the particular case, by a statutory deciding or appeals officer. These officers are completely independent in the exercise of their statutory functions and are not subject to direction by anyone.
Is there any way in which the legislation dealing with matters like this can be changed? Their decisions are final and binding and there is no right of appeal. As the Parliamentary Secretary knows, in many cases injustices are resulting from their decisions.
I am not in a position to say at this point whether it is necessary to change the legislation, but I will keep the Deputy's comments in mind. I will agree to examine the matter.