To be entitled to an unemployment payment a person must satisfy a deciding officer that he-she fulfils, and continues to fulfil, the statutory conditions of being capable of, available for and genuinely seeking but unable to obtain suitable employment.
The employment action plan – EAP – has been in operation since 1998 and is a joint initiative between FÁS and my Department. It applies to certain unemployed persons under age 25 and, since 1 May has been extended to longer-term unemployed persons aged 25-34. Its purpose is, following a detailed interview conducted by a FÁS placement officer to develop an action plan for the individual which will help him-her to return to the active labour market.
As part of the programme ongoing support is provided, including training for as long as the person needs it.
Where a person is referred to FÁS for interview under the employment action plan – EAP – and fails to attend, then the question as to whether he/she continues to fulfil the statutory condition of genuinely seeking suitable employment must be tested.
In these circumstances the case is referred to a deciding officer for review. Where a deciding officer decides, following an interview with the person, that he-she does not fulfil this condition, the claim is disallowed. If the person is dissatisfied with the deciding officer's decision he-she has a right of appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.
