Vol. 561 No. 1
512 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can have means reassessed for unemployment assistance immediately; and the way in which her Department can assess this person with means of ?84 per week for a house that is not fit to be lived in and only has a site value. [3243/03]
The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment assistance at the maximum rate.
Following a review of his entitlement he has been assessed with means of €84 per week derived from the capital value of property owned, but not occupied, by him. The property has been valued at €50,000. This entitles him to a weekly payment of €40.80.
The person concerned has now appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and his case is being referred to an appeals officer for consideration.
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.
