asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment benefit has not been paid to a claimant (name supplied) in County Donegal in respect of the period from 19th January, 1974, to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Benefit.
97.
The original claim to unemployment benefit from 30th July, 1973, by the person in question was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that she did not satisfy the statutory condition for the receipt of this benefit which requires a claimant to be available for employment. The decision of the deciding officer was upheld by an appeals officer after an oral hearing on 8th November, 1973, at which the claimant attended and gave evidence.
A further claim to unemployment benefit from 19th January, 1974, by this person was disallowed by a deciding officer on the same ground. She did not appeal against that decision.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that during the period when she was held not to be available for employment, the woman did actually take up temporary employment while it was available? The Parliamentary Secretary will be aware that this is one of the cases where women after the first child is born are refused indefinitely irrespective of the merits of any particular case. This has been going on and it has not changed since I left.
The bad old system the Deputy started.
I am sure the Deputy more than most will appreciate that the deciding officers and appeals officers are completely independent of any ministerial intervention.
I am well aware but I would again ask the Parliamentary Secretary to have some special examination made of some of these cases. This is a case where the woman was definitely available for work. There is no question of doubt about it. She has appealed in respect of the period after January. That has happened only in the last few days.
In view of what the Deputy has stated I will go into the matter.