Ned O'Keeffe
Question:431 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a claim for unemployment assistance, which is under appeal, finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Payment of unemployment assistance to the person concerned was discontinued from 24 June 1992 following a review of his means. The person's means are derived from self-employment as an electrician, a bed and breakfast business and rents from property.
He appealed against this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and in accordance with normal procedures the comments of the investigating officer were sought on the issues raised in the appeal. The assessment was confirmed and the appeal was submitted for consideration by an Appeals Officer on 13 July 1992. Having considered all the evidence before him the Appeals Officer disallowed the appeal on 18 September 1992.
Further evidence, in the form of a solicitor's letter, then received was considered by the appeals officer but he did not consider that it affected his decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision.
The appeal was processed with all possible speed and it is not considered that there was any excessive delay in deciding the case.