asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cause of the delay in deciding the application of a person (name supplied) in County Kerry for unemployment assistance under the small farmers scheme.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Assistance.
281.
The person concerned made a renewed application for unemployment assistance at his local employment office on 1st April, 1975. He had previously been in receipt of assistance up to September, 1972 when he ceased to prove unemployment. As there was evidence that his means had altered since he was previously in receipt of assistance, it has been necessary to make further enquiries in that respect. Every effort is being made to have these inquiries concluded at an early date.
282.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange to have unemployment benefit or assistance paid to a person (name supplied) in County Cork.
The person concerned was not paid unemployment benefit on his claim made on 26th May, 1975 as he did not satisfy the contribution condition which requires that not less than 26 employment contributions have been paid or credited in respect of him in the 1973 insurance year. As his contribution record in the 1974 insurance year was also deficient he does not qualify for benefit in the current benefit year which commenced on 2nd June, 1975. However, the question as to whether other employment contributions are payable in respect of the years 1973 to 1975 is at present being investigated. An application for a qualification certificate under the Unemployment Assistance Acts, which is a necessary requirement for the receipt of unemployment assistance, is also under investigation. Every effort is being made to have the investigations concluded as soon as possible.
283.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will now arrange to have unemployment assistance paid to a person in County Cork (name supplied).
The person concerned applied for a qualification certificate, which is a necessary requirement for the receipt of unemployment assistance, on 29th January, 1975. On the same date a provisional application for unemployment assistance was made by him. Following investigation, a deciding officer assessed the applicant's means at £8 a week and this assessment was upheld by an appeals officer. As this rate exceeds the maximum rate of assistance which could be paid in his case, the person concerned is not entitled to unemployment assistance. In the absence of new facts or fresh evidence the appeals officer's decision is final and conclusive.