Vol. 539 No. 1
331 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was stopped unemployment benefit; if he can identify where there is full time work in Ballinrobe available for this person as this person should not be taken off benefit when there is no work available; and the reason an appeal form has not been sent out to her. [18908/01]
In the context of a recent review of her entitlements, the person concerned was asked to provide details of her efforts to find work. Based on her response a deciding officer disallowed her claim on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking work.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose was issued to her on 18 June 2001.
In determining whether a person is genuinely seeking work, a deciding officer will take into account the economic environment and employment opportunities available not only in the immediate area or town, but in the wider community. However, deciding officers do not refer claimants to specific employment opportunities, nor could their decisions be conditional on them being in a position to do so.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
