asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason unemployment assistance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if an appeal has been processed; and if he will take account of extenuating circumstances in this case.
Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.
358.
Following a reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £14.10 weekly, derived from capital and from land. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £15.30 weekly, being the maximum weekly rate payable to him £29.40 less £14.10 means. An appeal form has issued to him from his local office for the purpose of appealing against his means. When he returns this form his case will be submitted to an appeals officer and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision.
359.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason benefits have been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he is aware that a very detailed appeal has been submitted, all of which can be substantiated; and if he is aware that there are strong mitigating circumstances in this case.
Following a reinvestigation of his unemployment assistance claim the means of the person concerned were reassessed at £17.45 weekly, derived from land and from capital. He is accordingly entitled to unemployment assistance at £11.95 weekly being the maximum weekly rate payable to him £29.40 less £17.45 means. He appealed against the amount of means assessed against him and his case has been referred to a social welfare officer for further inquiries in the light of the contentions made by him in support of his appeal. When these inquiries are completed the case will be referred to an appeals officer for determination and the rate of unemployment assistance payable to him will be reviewed in the light of the decision of the appeals officer.