asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider having unemployment assistance paid to a person (name supplied) in County Kerry who had £11 means against him because he was being kept at home by his father who is a county council worker.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Unemployment Assistance.
25.
A decision was given in the case of the person concerned by a deciding officer and subsequently on appeal by an appeals officer. In both instances his means were assessed in excess of the sum of £8.55 a week, the maximum rate of unemployment assistance which would be payable to him if he had no means. He is not, therefore, entitled to any unemployment assistance. The means assessment in his case represents the estimated value to him of the benefit or privilege of free board and lodging in his father's household which is one of the items which must be taken into account in assessing the means of applicants for unemployment assistance purposes.
The decision of an appeals officer, who is a statutorily appointed officer, is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that I cannot interfere in the matter.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.