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Social Welfare Appeals.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2004

Wednesday, 11 February 2004

Questions (31)

Pat Breen

Question:

91 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons waiting on appeal for unemployment assistance and unemployment benefit in cases in which their initial claim was refused due to the fact that it was stated they were not genuinely seeking work. [3999/04]

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Written answers

The number of appeals awaiting decision which relate to unemployment issues, excluding means cases, is 546. This figure represents all appellants disallowed for failure to satisfy any of the statutory conditions relating to entitlement.

The precise number of cases where the question at issue relates to the genuinely seeking work condition is not readily available but it is estimated that about 80% would relate to either or both of the conditions of not being available for or genuinely seeking employment. Deciding officers must have regard to the economic environment in reviewing and testing a person's efforts to obtain employment. In this regard they must take into account the level of vacancies and the nature of the work available in the locality.

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 they are applied consistently and uniformly detailed guidelines have been issued to the deciding officers who decide unemployment claims, and appropriate training has been provided. The decisions advisory office of my Department also provides advice in this regard on an ongoing basis.

Under social welfare legislation, decisions on 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. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 82.
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