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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 3

Written Answers. - Means Assessment.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

30 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been assessed with £30 means when he is unemployed and has no income whatsoever; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A deciding officer assessed the means of the person concerned at £30 per week from 14 January 1991. The means are derived from self-employment as a handyman. The deciding officer took the view that the person concerned could reasonably expect to enjoy the same opportunities for self-employment as he had experienced in the preceding year and assessed his income accordingly.

The person concerned appealed against this decision to the independent appeals office and, following an oral hearing of his case on 15 October 1991, an appeals officer upheld the deciding officer's decision. This assessment entitled the person concerned to payment at the weekly rate of £20 which, in this case, is the maximum short term rate for unemployment assistance less means.

If the person concerned feels that his present circumstances have substantially changed, it is open to him to re-apply for unemployment assistance, when his situation will be reinvestigated.

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