§ Mr. T. M. HEALYasked whether two masons, William and Michael O'Connell, on lodging a claim for unemployment benefit at the local Exchange, Fermoy, on 185W 23rd October and 3rd November, were told to go to Gretna, Scotland, to work as navvies; and, if so, why men who served their time to a trade in Ireland are refused benefit unless they consent to work as labourers in Scotland?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI am informed that both claims were made on 23rd October. No local employment was available and the men had been out of work for ten days when they were offered employment at Gretna as navvies. The rate of wages at Gretna was higher than that which they had earned at their trade in Ireland, and the work would have continued for a considerable time. In these circumstances it appeared to the insurance officer that, in accordance with the umpire's decision in similar cases, the work in question could suitably be offered to them. The workmen are, however, entitled to appeal to a Court of Referees against the refusal of benefit, and they lodged an appeal accordingly on 24th November. The matter is, therefore, at presentsub judice.