asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Wicklow has been terminated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Unemployment Assistance Claimants.
10.
The claim by the person in question is for unemployment benefit and is still in payment. Payment had been suspended because of the refusal by the claimant to accept an offer of work made to her by the local office. The deciding officer took the view, however, that the employment offered was not a suitable employment and that the refusal was therefore not a ground for disqualification for benefit. Payment of all benefit due has been made.
While I am delighted to hear that payment of the back five weeks has been made, may I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary what steps he proposes to take or what directives he may issue to ensure that skilled people who are unemployed, through no fault of their own, will not be debarred from payment because of an unskilled position being available?
I think it is generally accepted that a skilled person is usually only offered employment that would be in accordance with the acquired skill. I do not think the question arose in this particular case. I think it was for an entirely different reason that the deciding officer decided in favour of the claimant. I might say we agree entirely with the decision made.
My information is that this person is trained as a typist/ receptionist and was sent to the position of a cleaner. In the labour exchange the person——
I am awaiting a question.
——applied for a job for which she would receive £5.13 a week whereas the job of cleaner only paid £5 a week. Surely this can hardly be justice?
I think the deciding officer agreed with the Deputy's interpretation of justice and accordingly awarded the lady payment of benefit.
11.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) resident in Wicklow town has been terminated.
The claim by the person in question is for unemployment benefit and is still in payment. Payment had been suspended because of the refusal by the claimant to accept an offer of work made to her by the local office. The deciding officer took the view, however, that the employment offered was not a suitable employment and that the refusal was, therefore, not a ground for disqualification for benefit. Payment of all benefit due has been made.