Paul McGrath
Question:87 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has instructed that benefit payment to unemployed people who refuse job offers be withdrawn. [10552/00]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
In order to be entitled to unemployment payments a person must show that he or she fulfils the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work. There are also specific provisions in the Social Welfare Acts which provide for the disqualification of a person for up to nine weeks where they refuse an offer of suitable employment.
Claims are reviewed on a routine, systematic basis. In the course of such reviews claimants are required to demonstrate that they meet the statutory requirements. In this regard they will be asked to show that they have taken reasonable steps to secure suitable employment.
The improvement in the economy in recent years has meant that there are more job opportunities available to unemployed people and it is important that persons in receipt of unemployment payments show that they are making efforts to get suitable employment.
Detailed guidelines have issued to deciding officers in this matter and training has been provided. The guidelines set out the steps that an unemployed person is expected to take to find employment, having regard to the person's age, physique, normal trade or profession, skills, family circumstances and any other relevant factor.
Each case is examined on its own merits and in any case where a claim is disallowed by a deciding officer, the person can appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.