asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that serious inconvenience is being caused in certain areas in North Kerry (details supplied) to recipients of unemployment assistance by reason of the fact that they are not being allowed to sign at Garda stations in close proximity to them but are forced to travel distances up to 10 miles; and if he will have this matter rectified.

My Department has not authorised any change in the arrangements for the certification of unemployment assistance forms by the gardaí in North Kerry. Normally applicants attend at the Garda station or other signing centre within the area of their own Garda sub-district. I understand that in North Kerry some irregularities have developed which the gardaí recently took steps to correct by instructing applicants to attend at the places appointed for their own Garda sub-districts. I have the matter under investigation and will advise the Deputy of the outcome.