asked the Minister for Social Welfare why unemployment benefits under the small farmer system scheme have been withheld from a person (name supplied) in County Limerick.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Benefits.
53.
Payment of unemployment assistance was made to the person concerned on the basis of a weekly rate of means of £4.77 derived from land the rateable valuation of which was £12.40. Following reinvestigation of his means, it was ascertained that he had rented an additional holding in January, 1973, the rateable valuation of which was £12.50, but had not reported the fact to the Department. A deciding officer accordingly reassessed his weekly rate of means at £9.58 with effect from 1st January, 1973, and at £19.15 from 31st March, 1976, when amending provisions regarding the calculation of means derived from land in the specified areas came into effect.
As a result of the deciding officer's decision the applicant received payment of unemployment assistance in excess of that to which he was entitled and his present weekly entitlement of £12.65 is being withheld in recovery of the amount overpaid. He has been notified of the deciding officer's decision and of his right to appeal against it if he is dissatisfied.