Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Entitlements.

Tony Gregory

Question:

28 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is concerned that influence is being exerted by the Garda Síochána to have the social entitlements of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

Subsequent to their prosecution by the Garda for illegal casual trading, the persons in question had their entitlements to unemployment assistance reviewed by my Department. Decisions on entitlement to all social welfare payments are made by independent deciding officers or in the event of appeal by independent appeals officers. I am satisfied that no influence was brought to bear on the officers who decided the entitlements of the persons concerned.

When investigating entitlement to social welfare payments or any alleged abuse of the system the deciding authorities must evaluate all information available from whatever source in any particular case. Before a decision is given, however, the claimant would be given an opportunity to comment fully on,inter alia, any allegations which would affect his/her entitlement.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is independent of my Department and appeals officers have authority to summon any person to attend a hearing for the purpose of giving evidence and ensuring a fair decision.

There were two persons mentioned in the details supplied with the question. In one case, the person's unemployment assistance was temporarily disallowed as a consequence of his failing to make himself available for interview to an inspector of the Department in the course of the review of his claim. Payment has since been allowed. In the case of the second individual, his payment was disallowed but was restored on appeal at a reduced level.