The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance, with means assessed from self-employment of €15, from 10 January 2000 to 23 September 2003. His payments were suspended from that date as he failed to provide information regarding his means as requested by an inspector.
It subsequently came to light that he had been engaged in employment on a part-time basis, working five days each week since 16 January 2001. He had not informed the Department of this employment. A deciding officer has disallowed the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned from 16 January 2001 to 23 September 2003 on the grounds that he was not unemployed for this period. An overpayment of €14,486.46, which is the total amount of unemployment assistance paid to him from 16 January 2001 to 23 September 2003, has been raised on his claim. A letter regarding this decision and the overpayment arising issued to him on 4 December 2003.
He should contact the Belmullet local office to make arrangements regarding the refund of the overpayment. It is open to him to appeal the decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to him. Under social welfare legislation, decisions in respect of claims and the insurability of employment must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers who are statutorily appointed. I have no role in making such decisions.
