asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 has had his unemployment assistance discontinued to him after stating that he was not qualified to take up a Jobsearch course involving clerical work; and if he will review the matter urgently.
Written Answers. - Jobsearch Programme.
40.
Social Welfare legislation provides that a person who has, without good cause, refused or failed to avail himself of any reasonable opportunity of receiving training provided or approved of by AnCO as suitable in his case, shall be disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit for a period not exceeding six weeks.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment benefit from 10 November 1986. Under the national Jobsearch programme he was offered a place on a Jobsearch course operated by AnCO. The course concerned does not involve a placement in a clerical position but rather is directed at providing participants with necessary skills, clerical support and facilities to help them with their job-seeking activities. He refused to participate in the course although it had been explained to him that this would result in his social welfare entitlement being reviewed which could lead to him being disqualified for receipt of benefit for up to six weeks. The deciding officer who reviewed the case was of the opinion that the explanation tendered by him for his refusal did not constitute good cause and he accordingly disqualified his claim for a period of six weeks from 12 May 1987.
He appealed against the disqualification and arrangements are being made to have his case determined by an appeals officer at the earliest available opportunity.