asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in respect of an application for unemployment assistance (particulars supplied) why a delay of eighteen weeks has elapsed without a decision being made on the claim.

There has not been a delay of 18 weeks in deciding an application for unemployment assistance in the case of the person referred to in the question.

Unemployment assistance can be paid only to persons who are holders of qualification certificates and who satisfy the other relevant statutory conditions. Inquiries were necessary to ascertain if the conditions for the grant of a qualification certificate were satisfied. The person involved was notified of the decision refusing her application for a qualification certificate on 3rd of this month and of her right of appeal if dissatisfied.