Vol. 474 No. 5
73 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an oral hearing will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that he is in financial hardship and cannot manage on his current rate of benefit. [3384/97]
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance up to 8 November 1996. An investigation of his circumstances indicated that he was working while in receipt of assistance and he signed off the live register on 11 November 1996. He has not claimed unemployment assistance since then. A revised decision was subsequently made to the effect that he was not unemployed during the period from 15 April 1996 to 5 November 1996 resulting in an overpayment of £4,251.44.
An appeal against the decision was received in the social welfare appeals office from the person concerned on 8 January 1996. In accordance with the statutory requirements, the comments of the deciding officer on the matters raised in the appeal have been sought and on receipt of the response, the case will be referred to an appeals officer for consideration. If appropriate, the appeals office will arrange an early oral hearing of the case.
