Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

141 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the action he proposes to take on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding the conduct of an unemployment assistance appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9560/02]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

The person concerned, who has been in receipt of unemployment assistance for a number of years, was asked to complete a questionnaire to establish that he continued to satisfy the statutory conditions for entitlement to payment. The deciding officer, having considered the response, was of the opinion the person concerned was not genuinely seeking work and disallowed his claim. An oral hearing of his appeal against that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office was held on 7 February 2002.

Having considered all the evidence in this case, including that adduced at the oral hearing, the appeals officer disallowed the appeal on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking employment. Notification of the decision has issued to the person concerned.

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.

I understand that, in a recent letter to the chief appeals officer, the person concerned has made a complaint regarding the conduct of the oral hearing. The contentions are being examined by the chief appeals officer who will be in touch with the person directly in this regard.