Vol. 552 No. 2
114 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason an oral hearing has not been scheduled for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to finalise an appeal for unemployment assistance; and when the oral hearing will be held. [12195/02]
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 14 November 2001. Her claim was disallowed on the grounds that her means, derived from her spouse's income from self employment, exceeded the statutory limit for receipt of this payment.
She appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and an appeals officer decided that an oral hearing is necessary. Because of the number of appeals requiring oral hearing it was not possible to arrange a hearing before now. It will be arranged as soon as possible. She will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.
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.
