asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that an appeals officer disallowed an appeal under Section 15 (1) (b) of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1933, in case No. 13395, district of Ballina, where a recipient of unemployment assistance refused employment at a place of work over six miles distant from his residence, and, if so, if he will state the maximum distance from residence applicable in such cases.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Ballina Unemployment Assistance Appeal.
The question of the suitability of work is determined on the individual merits of each case, due regard being had to age, physique, normal occupation, distance to the site of work, means of transport and any other considerations that may apply.
In the case of appeal No. 13395 the applicant, aged 45 years, who has a bicycle, refused employment at a distance of some six to seven miles from his home. His application for unemployment assistance was disallowed by a deciding officer on the ground that the applicant was not genuinely seeking and unable to obtain suitable employment. His appeal against the decision was disallowed by an appeals officer, before whom the applicant attended and gave evidence, The decision of the appeals officer is final.