Vol. 524 No. 2
361 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason seasonal workers are being disallowed unemployment benefit in identical circumstances to previous years when they received this benefit; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 who works as a bus escort with physically disabled pupils was refused unemployment benefit during the summer closure of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/00]
To sign the live register for unemployment purposes a person must be unemployed, capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work. In determining whether the conditions are fulfilled deciding officers take account, inter alia, of the person's efforts to find employment and the circumstances in the employment market. I wish to emphasise that there has not been any change this year in the rules in this regard.
The person concerned claimed unemployment benefit on 30 June 2000. Following an examination of her case her claim was disallowed on the grounds that she failed to satisfy the deciding officer that she was genuinely seeking work.
On receipt of the disallowance notice the person concerned submitted an appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office and the decision was upheld. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in regard to claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers, who are statutorily appointed, and I have no role in relation to the making of such decisions.
Supplementary welfare allowance was paid to the person concerned for the period 13 July 2000 to 27 September 2000.
Questions Nos. 362, 363, 364, 365 taken with Question No. 351.
