asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of oral hearings for farmers dole that have been held in the employment exchange areas of Newmarket, Mallow and Killarney; and if he is satisfied with the progress there.
Written Answers. - Farmers' Dole.
503.
The number of appeals by farmers against decisions on their unemployment assistance claims in the areas concerned and the present position in relation to those appeals is as follows:
Newmarket Number of appeals lodged —44. Number of appeals dealt with — 30. Number currently awaiting decision — 14.
Mallow Number of appeals lodged — 2. Number currently awaiting decision — 2.
Killarney Number of appeals lodged — 33. Number of appeals dealt with — 29. Number currently awaiting decision — 4.
All decisions on appeals are made by Appeals Officers who deal with cases as quickly as possible. Separate statistics are not maintained in relation to the number of cases where oral hearings are held. Due to the increased number of persons applying for appeals under the various Social Welfare Schemes there has been some unavoidable lengthening of the time involved in clearing cases. The position is being kept under review with a view to ensuring that delays in dealing with all appeals cases are kept to a minimum.