Vol. 478 No. 7
195 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an oral hearing will take place for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that he lodged an appeal over four months ago and is urgently waiting on a decision. [11950/97]
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. The case was referred to an appeals officer who considered that an oral hearing is appropriate. This will be arranged before the end of this month.
196 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on a social welfare benefit appeal for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that there are six children in the family. [11951/97]
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the rate of £7.80 per week from 7 June 1995, based on a means assessment of £184.80 per week, derived from her spouse's self-employment in the transport business.
Her means were assessed at nil rate with effect from 22 May 1996, on the basis of information produced by her showing that her spouse's contract with a transport company had been terminated.She was awarded maximum rate of unemployment assistance.
However, when her case was investigated in March 1997, it was revealed that her spouse had other earnings from self-employment. A revised decision was made by a deciding officer, assessing means at £197 per week with effect from 22 May 1996. This revised decision had the effect of creating an overpayment of £7,312.61.
The person concerned appealed the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office on 23 April 1997. In accordance with the statutory procedures, a submission on the grounds of the appeal will be made on behalf of the deciding officer. The appeal will then be considered by an appeals officer.
197 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an oral hearing will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11952/97]
The unemployment benefit of the person concerned was disallowed from 6 March 1997 on the ground that she was not available for work.
She appealed this decision and her appeal was received at the social welfare appeals office on 21 March 1997. The case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided that an oral hearing is appropriate. This will be arranged before the end of this month.
198 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an oral hearing will be convened for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to her appeal in respect of disability benefit. [11953/97]
The unemployability supplement of the person concerned was disallowed from 6 December 1996 following an examination by a medical assessor who considered that she was no longer considered to be incapable of work as a result of her occupational injuries.
Her appeal was received at the social welfare appeals office on 18 December 1996 and arrangements were made to have her examined by another medical assessor. The second medical examination took place on 11 March 1997 and this medical assessor also considered that she was capable of work.
The case was referred to an appeals officer who has decided that an oral hearing is appropriate. This will be arranged before the end of this month.
