asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the increasing number of applicants, particularly married women, who are being denied unemployment benefit on the grounds of unavailability for work, when in fact these applicants may have submitted certified documentation to the effect of the non-availability of employment in their particular areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Eligibility.
163.
I am not aware of any increase in the rate of refusal of unemployment benefit from married women or any other category of claimants on grounds of unavailability for work.
The question of whether a claimant satisfies the requirement of being available for but unable to obtain work is a matter for decision in each particular case. The fact that employment is not available in an area does not necessarily mean that claimants in that area must be regarded as being available for work. Claimants can be unavailable for work for a number of reasons either because they are not genuinely interested in seeking employment or because they would not be free to take up employment if it were offered to them.
Each case is decided by a statutorily appointed deciding officer in the light of its own particular merits. A claimant who is dissatisfied with the decision in his or her case has the right of appeal to an appeals officer.