asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in relation to the former employees of a firm (name supplied) (a) the date on which their social welfare cards were stamped, (b) the periods for which their cards were stamped, (c) whether any Department inspector had to call on the employers to secure compliance, if so, whether this was before or after the close of the factory and (d) if any of the employees lost any benefit due to any failure to stamp their social welfare cards.

All information concerning transactions between my Department and members of the public, whether claimants to social welfare benefits or employers, is confidential.

I can, however, say that so far as I am aware no former employee of the factory mentioned lost benefit due to any failure to pay social welfare contributions, but if the Deputy has information concerning any such case I will have enquiries made if he will let me have particulars.