asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason no decision has been made regarding a claim for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, in view of the relevant information submitted.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
15.
The person concerned claimed and was paid unemployment assistance from 2 July 1987 on the basis of an existing qualification certificate with means of £19.20 assessed against him. Following reinvestigation, his claim was disallowed from 30 September 1987 on the grounds that by failing to disclose full details of his means, he had failed to show that his yearly means did not exceed the statutory limit for receipt of a qualification certificate from that date. He appealed against this decision and following an oral hearing of the case in February 1988, an appeals officer also decided that he had failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.
The person concerned subsequently submitted two affidavits concerning his means. These affidavits were submitted to the appeals officer in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare Act which allows for revision of an appeals officer's decision if new evidence or facts come to light which would justify revision. Having reviewed the matter, the appeals officer has stated that he is not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for revision of the earlier decision. However, the appeals officer is willing to afford the person concerned a further oral hearing at which he will be given every opportunity to satisfy the appeals officer about his means.
The person concerned, who last signed the unemployed register on 19 April 1988, has been advised to contact his local employment exchange about his claim. When he does so, arrangements will be made for the oral appeal hearing of his case.