Michael Ring
Question:443 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an oral hearing to finalise an unemployment assistance appeal. [24556/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance since February 2000. Following a review of her entitlement her claim was disallowed from 26 June 2002 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 has decided that an oral hearing is necessary. This is being arranged for the next occasion that an appeals officer will be in the area. The appeals office will be in touch with the person concerned in this regard in the near future.
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.