The group representing the unemployed has appealed to the Government to make special provisions for those laid off by foot-and-mouth disease.
The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) has called on the Minister for Social Community and Family Affairs Mr Ahern to guarantee that those temporarily laid off will not be denied unemployment benefits because of its "genuinely seeking work" rule.
The INOU believes the requirement that those signing on must join FÁS and provide copies of job applications, will hinder those seeking help because of the crisis.
INOU General Secretary Mr Tony Monks said: "Workers temporarily laid off due to foot-and-mouth will suffer immediate and stark financial loss. The least the Government can do is guarantee that they will receive their pittance of a dole payment in a speedy fashion."
The call has been repeated by Fine Gael spokesman on Social Affairs, Mr Brian Hayes. He said the Minster was "pedestrian" in his response to the issue of dole payments to those made redundant due to foot-and-mouth.
"The Department of Social Community and Family Affairs should bring forward relief measures for people who are directly affected," he said.
Making particular reference to the hotel and catering industry, Mr Hayes called on employers and the Department of Enterprise and Employment to set up a helpline to assist people made redundant find work elsewhere in the industry.
An INOU survey of 14 social welfare offices found only half were making exceptions for those temporarily seeking social welfare payments.
It has called on the Government to publish figures for the total numbers affected. It is also said many will have to wait two weeks or more for an unemployment assistance assessment before they get benefits.