asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she is aware of reports that a minority of taxi drivers in Limerick are both drawing the dole and driving taxis leased from other taxi owners or businessmen who own taxis or taxi-plates; if she intends to take any steps to stamp out this abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Limerick Taxi Drivers.
111.
Self-employment as a taxi driver would not automatically debar a person from qualifying for unemployment assistance. Any income accruing from such employment is, however, assessed as means for the purpose of a claim to unemployment assistance. Self-employment as a taxi driver occurs when the applicant owns the taxi plate or is the leasee of a taxi-plate. Fraudulent claiming of unemployment assistance would arise where the claimant did not inform the Department of his self-employment as a taxi driver or of his employment as a driver by a taxi owner. Allegations were made some months ago to the Department's local office in Limerick and to the special investigation unit of possible fraudulent claiming of unemployment assistance by persons engaged as taxi drivers in the Limerick area. However, following inquiries in the matter, there was no evidence to substantiate these reports and no specific information was made available to the Department as to the claimants involved. If the Deputy has any such information he should forward it to the Department.