asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of reports that all unemployed women workers in a shirt factory in County Donegal who applied for unemployment benefit have been refused; and, if these reports are not correct, if he will state the number of such workers who are in receipt of unemployment benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Factory Workers.
40.
I am not so aware. It appears from the inquiries which it has been possible to make in the time available that the question relates to employees of a shirt manufacturing firm in Buncrana which, I understand, has been in receivership since September last. A substantial sum has been claimed by the Department from the receiver in respect of social insurance contributions due by the firm for 1973 and 1974.
In the meantime however the outstanding contributions have been treated as paid in respect of affected employees in order to protect their right to benefits. This has enabled unemployment benefit to be paid to all but one of those women workers who were laid off subsequent to Christmas last, many of whom have now returned to the same employment. The number of women workers concerned who are still in receipt of unemployment benefit has dwindled to 11.
I do not know whose fault it was—possibly mine— but I did not intend the question to apply to a shirt factory. I do not know how the words "a shirt factory" got into the question but I intended to include all shirt factories in County Donegal.
The Deputy will appreciate that the question on the Order Paper refers to a shirt factory.
In view of what has happened, I ask that the question be retabled for next week so as to include all factories in the county.
As there was no specific factory mentioned, there was difficulty in getting a reply to the question. During the weekend we endeavoured to communicate with the Deputy, but apparently there were telephone difficulties between Dublin and Donegal.
The Deputy will appreciate that it will be for him to table another question next week.