asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment assistance has not been paid to a person (name supplied) in County Laois.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance and Benefit.
13.
This person's case concerns a claim for unemployment benefit—not unemployment assistance —from 11th November, 1974 to 1st January, 1975, after which date evidence of unemployment has not been furnished. Benefit has not been paid because the claimant was disqualified by deciding officers for two successive periods of six weeks starting on 28th October, 1974, the date he had last been employed.
Both periods of disqualification were imposed under the provisons of section 17 (4) of the Social Welfare Act, 1952. The first was on the ground that the person had voluntarily left employment without just cause. At the end of this six weeks, there was evidence that the employment was still available to the claimant. The second period of disqualification was therefore on the ground that he had failed or neglected to avail himself of a reasonable opportunity of obtaining suitable employment.
Notice of appeal has been accepted on behalf of the claimant and the case is being referred to an appeals officer for consideration.
14.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare (a) the date on which application for unemployment benefit was made by a person (name supplied) in County Galway (b) the number of weeks on which he signed for benefit (c) the reason for the delay in deciding the application and (d) when payment will be made and the amount.
This person claimed unemployment benefit on 24th October, 1974 and has since signed for 15 weeks up to and including last week. His claim for the whole period, less three waiting days, has now been allowed at the appropriate maximum rate of benefit and the sum of £275.51 has been listed for payment to him this week at his local post office.
With regard to the delay in deciding the claim, it has not been possible, in the time available since receipt of this question, to establish fully the reason for the long delay which has occurred and which I very much regret. I am having the matter fully examined to establish the reason for the delay.
15.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (name supplied) in County Tipperary has not been granted unemployment assistance.
No unemployment assistance is due to the person named. Unemployment benefit amounting to £209.90 is due to him in respect of the period 12th July, 1973, to 3rd April, 1974, but he has consistently refused to accept payment on the ground that he is entitled to benefit at a higher rate. The rate of benefit applicable in his case was decided by a statutory deciding officer, whose decision was upheld by an appeals officer after an oral hearing of the appeal at which the claimant attended and gave evidence. The appeals officer's decision in the matter is final. The amount due to the claimant will be paid at his local Employment Exchange whenever he decides to collect it.
The Parliamentary Secretary recognises that there is a special problem in this case. In view of that would he have one of his officers visit this man again?
Yes.
He recognises what the problem is?
In the circumstances I would be prepared to do this.