Michael Ring
Question:395 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the locations a person (details supplied) in County Mayo may find work in the Swinford/Kiltimagh area. [28981/01]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Question:396 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when an oral hearing will be convened for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo regarding an unemployment assistance payment. [28982/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
To qualify for unemployment assistance a person must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of a deciding officer, that he/she is available for and making genuine efforts to return to work. The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate this. Any efforts the person has made to obtain any employment, whether in the immediate locality or otherwise, to avail of services such as FÁS or local employment, or to access any training available, will be taken into account by the deciding officer when deciding the case.
A deciding officer will also take into account the economic environment and employment opportunities available. However, deciding officers are not required to refer claimants to specific employment opportunities nor could their decisions be conditional on them being in a position to do so.
The deciding officer, having considered the person's claim, was not satisfied that he was genuinely seeking work. His claim was disallowed accordingly. The person's appeal against this decision was submitted to the social welfare appeals office on 25 October 2001. His case was considered by an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
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.