asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an unemployment assistance appeal will be heard in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is deemed to be eligible for only £7.25p per week; the basis on which this figure was computed, and the means she is deemed to have which reduces her entitlement to unemployment assistance on this amount.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
143.
Mr. Cowen
The person concerned was assessed with means of £24.50 weekly, and is, accordingly, in receipt of unemployment assistance at £7.25 per week, being the appropriate rate in her case of £31.75 less means of £24.50. The assessment of her means is calculated on the basis of the value of her board and lodging in her parents home, by reference to the net incomes of her father and mother. The assessment, is, however subject to a limit that the amount of means so assessed shall not exceed 12½ per cent of the parents net income and in accordance with this limitation her weekly means were assessed at £24.50. The person concerned appealed against this decision and an appeals officer also assessed her with means of £24.50. In the absence of fresh evidence or new facts the decision of an appeals officer is final.