asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state why Thomas Dormer, Kilgourie, Crettyard, Carlow, has not been paid unemployment benefit, and whether, in view of the fact that he had been signing at the Labour Exchange from the 12th July until the 13th August, 1926, the Minister will undertake to have inquiries made in the matter.

Thomas Dormer claimed Unemployment Benefit for himself and Increased Benefit in respect of his child and housekeeper on the 12th July last. He furnished evidence of unemployment from the date of his claim up to the 28th July and again from the 4th to the 11th August. The claim was disallowed on the ground that the claimant had lost his employment by reason of a stoppage of work which was due to a trade dispute at the Castlecomer Quarries, Ltd., where he had been employed. Against this decision Mr. Dormer appealed to the Court of Referees. As a result of subsequent investigation it was ascertained that the trade dispute terminated on the 17th July, and after further consideration of the claim by the Court of Referees and Insurance Officer, benefit was allowed on the personal claim and also in respect of the dependent child from and including the 17th July. Payment will be made on next Friday. It has not been possible to allow benefit in respect of the claimant's housekeeper, but that part of the claim has been referred to the Court of Referees, which sits at Kilkenny to-day for further consideration.