asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that when unemployment exchanges request a form P.45 from unemployed persons the forms are returned to these people within a week so as not to delay their claims for tax rebates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Return of Unemployment Forms.
23.
The form P.45 referred to is required by my Department for the purposes of establishing the average net weekly earnings of claimants for unemployment payments in connection with the 85 per cent limit on the level of multiple payments which was introduced on 21st June, 1976. Standing instructions require local office staff to return forms P.45 without delay to claimants when the necessary action has been completed and I can assure the Deputy that every effort is made to see that this instruction is complied with. I understand that the majority of unemployment claimants attending employment exchanges have their forms P.45 returned to them within a week. Those who attend at local branch offices normally have their forms returned within ten days due to the fact that the claims, including the form P.45 have to be submitted, generally through the post, to the parent employment exchange for scrutiny by a deciding officer.