Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

265 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised in view of the fact that the reduced rate of benefit is causing hardship. [14917/98]

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at a weekly rate of £65.50 based on a means assessment of £2.00 per week made in 1983 derived from his intestacy share in the family holding.

Following a recent review of his entitlement his means from farm income were assessed at £85.00 per week. On the basis of this means assessment he was not entitled to payment of unemployment assistance and a deciding officer made a decision to that effect. He appealed the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.

The local social welfare inspector reviewed his report in the light of the stated grounds of appeal and reduced the amount of means assessed to £63.00 per week with effect from 11 March 1998 giving entitlement to payment of unemployment assistance of £4.00 per week.

The appeals officer has decided that the revised assessment is fair and reasonable. All allowable expenses have been taken into account in the means assessment. The person's appeal against the reduced rate was disallowed and he is being notified accordingly.

Michael Ring

Question:

266 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the way in which a decision was made in relation to unemployment means for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that no official saw him working or spoke to him at the time of the visit; and the proof, if any, his officials have on file that he was actually working in view of the fact that he can submit evidence from his local general practitioner to substantiate his claim that he was at home that day. [14918/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

267 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the recourse, if any, a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has within the Department appeals system when officials say the appellants version of events is not credible, yet no proof can be provided by officials to back this claim. [14919/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

268 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the details of the file for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding his unemployment means appeal. [14920/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

269 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will intervene in an appeal case for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to ensure that his benefits are restored within seven days with full payment of arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14921/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 266, 267, 268 and 269 together.

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £27.10 on the basis of a means assessment of £47 derived from his spouse's earnings from employment.

Payment was terminated following a report by the special investigation unit of the Department which indicated that the person concerned was employed on the construction of a house and that he is self-employed as a plasterer with income from that source.
An oral hearing of the person's appeal against the decision terminating his unemployment assistance was heard in Ballina on 14 May 1998. The person concerned confirmed that he is a plasterer. On the basis of all the available evidence, including that referred to in the Deputy's question and that adduced at the oral hearing, the appeals officer did not consider that the explanations given by the person were credible and he decided that the person had not fully disclosed his means. The decision of an appeals officer is final and conclusive in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
If the person wishes access to personal information held on him he should contact the local office of the Department.
Top
Share