asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if and when the unemployment insurance benefit claim was received by his Department from Mr. Patrick Moore, Borahan, Errill, Leix; whether he is prepared to sanction payment of same, or state the reason why he is unable to do so.

The claim to Unemployment Benefit made on 24th December, 1925, by Patrick Moore of Borahan, Errill, Leix, was disallowed on the grounds that the claimant was not unemployed and not unable to obtain suitable employment. From this decision he appealed to the Court of Referees which recommended that the claim should remain disallowed. The case finally went to the Umpire who confirmed the decision disallowing the claim. In the circumstances, it is regretted that no benefit can be paid on the claim.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if and when the claim for unemployment insurance benefit was received from Mr. John McNamara, Main Street, Banagher, Offaly; whether he is now prepared to sanction payment of the amount claimed or state the reason why he is unable to do so.

In respect of a claim made on the 1st May, 1926, John McNamara, of Main Street, Banagher, was paid 48 days' benefit. This exhausted all his contributions but as he claimed to be entitled to further benefit, which could not be allowed, he appealed to the Court of Referees, which found that his claim could not be allowed. The Insurance Officer agreed with this recommendation and it is regretted that the claimant will not be entitled to further benefit until further contributions have been paid for him.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state the number of flour mills, as distinct from flour mills and bakeries, registered as companies in the Saorstát, and the aggregate amount of share capital involved therein.

On 31st December, 1925, there were on the register 45 companies classed as milling and baking companies, with a total nominal share capital of £2,095,130. The records of the Registrar do not distinguish any of these companies as engaged solely in milling.