Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2012
146. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason for the initial refusal and if she is satisfied the correct procedures were followed in this case. [50794/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a jobseekers allowance application by the person concerned was disallowed by the Deciding Officer on the grounds that he did not satisfy the Habitual Residence condition for receipt of the allowance. An Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing allowed the appeal of the person concerned and decided that he was habitually resident at the time of making his claim on 29 September 2009. He further decided that his means from self-employment at that date were €15.17 per week.
Correspondence has now been received from the person claiming his means have reduced since the date of his application. In order for his means to be reviewed, an application for such a review must first be processed through the person’s local social welfare office and he has been so advised by letter dated 12th November 2012 and he has been advised that such an application should include details relating to his current circumstances.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
