Vol. 577 No. 3
587 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the complete breakdown of the means assessment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for unemployment assistance; and if this person is getting their full entitlement to unemployment assistance at ?36 per week. [30890/03]
The person in question has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since August 1999. The benefit arising to him from the income of his spouse, who is engaged in insurable employment, is assessed in calculating his means. Following a review of his entitlements, a deciding officer has assessed his weekly means derived from the benefit of his spouse's gross weekly earnings of €353. After allowing for tax, PRSI contributions and working spouse allowance the weekly means assessment is €210 of which half is assessed against the claimant. This amount is deducted from the maximum weekly rate payable, in his case €141.60. This entitles the person concerned to a weekly payment of €36.60. It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision. An application form for family income supplement has been issued to the spouse of the person concerned as it is possible that she may have an entitlement to payments under this scheme. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in respect of claims and the insurability of employment must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.
