Vol. 573 No. 3
734 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the case for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not open to appeal in view of the fact that the decision to suspend their unemployment claim was an administrative one; the meaning of this; if administrative decisions cannot be appealed; if so, the reason therefor; and if the exact details of this case will be provided. [25171/03]
When a question arises in an individual case as to whether the conditions for continued payment of benefit or assistance are not met payment can be left temporarily suspended until their question is formally decided. A decision to suspend payment is not subject to appeal.
The person concerned, who is in receipt of unemployment assistance and is engaged in self-employment, has failed to provide information regarding his means as requested by an inspector. His unemployment assistance payments were, therefore, suspended from 23 September 2003. He was informed of this by letter and advised that his claim could be reopened provided the documentary evidence requested was supplied.
It has since come to light that the person concerned has also been engaged in direct employment on a part-time basis for some time and did not inform my Department of this. This matter will now be considered by a deciding officer and a decision made regarding his entitlement. Any such decision will be subject to appeal in the normal way.
