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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 1

Written Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

58 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether payment of unemployment assistance to persons (details supplied) was ended recently on the basis that they were German citizens; the reasons for such a decision in view of our common membership of the European Union; the steps, if any, that will be taken to restore the payment of such unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Non-nationals, including citizens of EU member states, who have been in Ireland for more than three months are required to register with the Registration Officer of the Department of Justice. Registration is administered on behalf of that Department by the Garda.

In determining a claim for assistance Deciding Officers take the view that unregistered non-nationals are not freely available to accept offers of employment in this country.

The unemployment assistance claims of the persons concerned were reviewed and both were disallowed on the basis that not being afforded Registration by the Department of Justice they could not be considered available for employment in Ireland. It is understood that the people concerned have now applied for registration to the Department of Justice. Their entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the application.

The disallowances have also been appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

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