Vol. 563 No. 6
37 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals made to the chief appeals officer in the social welfare appeals office in 2002 and to date in 2003, on the basis of being found not to fulfil the genuinely seeking work criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8427/03]
The number of appeals relating to unemployment payments, excluding means cases, received in the social welfare appeals office in 2002 was 3,571. The number of appeals registered in the first two months of 2003 was 737.
The figures represent all appellants disallowed for failure to satisfy any of the statutory conditions relating to entitlement. An exact figure relating to the genuinely seeking work condition is not readily available but it is estimated that about 80% of the appeals relate to the conditions of not being available for or genuinely seeking employment.
To be regarded as genuinely seeking work a person must show that he or she is taking reasonable steps to obtain suitable employment, including applying for and seeking information on jobs, and availing of suitable training opportunities. These requirements are set out in regulations.
To ensure that they are applied consistently and uniformly detailed guidelines have been issued to the deciding officers who decide unemployment claims to whom appropriate training has been provided. My Department's decisions advisory office also provides advice on an ongoing basis.
Deciding officers must have regard to the economic environment in reviewing and testing individuals' efforts to obtain employment. Employers in many sectors state that they are still finding it difficult to fill vacancies. Each case is decided in accordance with the regulations having regard to what is reasonable in that particular case.
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.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 19.
