asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the maximum rate of unemployment assistance was not paid to a person (name supplied) in County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Unemployment Assistance Applicant.
28.
The maximum rate of unemployment assistance is not payable to the person concerned as his weekly rate of means was assessed at £2 by a deciding officer and this assessment was confirmed on appeal by an appeals officer. The maximum amount of unemployment assistance payable to a single man who lives in a rural area and has no means is now £7.35 a week. The amount of assistance to which the applicant is entitled, subject to the usual conditions for receiving it, is £5.35 a week, that is £7.35 less £2 means. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
Is the Minister aware that in this case a single person is living with his father who is in receipt of unemployment assistance? The father has to keep his son and it is most unfair that a sum of £2 or more is deducted from his unemployment assistance.
As there is the question of a decision by an appeals officer in this case, it would be unfair to the appeals officer if I replied positively to the Deputy's point. The Deputy is aware that the appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence. If he has facts or evidence that he believes to be new, of which the appeals officer was not aware, perhaps he would furnish them to the Department. They will be taken into consideration.
Question No. 29 is being taken for written reply.