Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 1989

Vol. 394 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

138.

Mr. Enright

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three persons (details supplied) in County Offaly who are married, have all been disallowed unemployment assistance for a period in excess of 21 weeks; the reason for the delay in granting an oral hearing for the persons concerned in view of the fact that the decision to refuse unemployment assistance has led to serious problems for their families; to the fact that one of the persons has already had his house repossessed by Offaly County Council and another has had a court order obtained by Offaly County Council in October 1989, to obtain possession of his house; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ESB have threatened to cut off supply to that particular house; that the failure to allow unemployment assistance in these cases has caused serious personal hardship and distress to the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

139.

Mr. Cowen

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the 20 week delay in reaching a decision on the unemployment assistance appeals of persons (details supplied) in County Offaly; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that information has been offered which has not been accepted by the investigation officer to date; if he will give the date of the last interview of the persons concerned; the reason for the delay in communicating a decision since then; if it is accepted that the documentation has been offered and presented and is available confirming statements already made by the applicants; if he will arrange for an immediate decision on the matter with a need to payment of unemployment assistance forthwith.

144.

Mr. Flanagan

asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a decision will be made on the unemployment assistance claim of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 138, 139 and 144 together.

Following investigation, the unemployment assistance claims of all the persons concerned were disallowed on 5 July 1989 on the grounds that by failing to furnish details of their means, they failed to show that their means did not exceed the statutory limit. The deciding officer was satisfied that they had been engaging in remunerative activities which had not been fully disclosed to the Department.

They appealed against the disallowances and arising from contentions raised by them in support of their appeal, the papers in their cases were referred to a social welfare officer for further investigations. They were interviewed again, the further investigations were completed and their cases were referred to an appeals officer. Following an examination of all the evidence, including the submissions by the persons concerned, the appeals officer has decided to hold oral hearings of their appeals to allow each claimant to present his case in person. Arrangement are being made at present to have the cases heard next week. Each appellant will be notified of the date, time and venue of the hearing in his case.

Their entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of their appeals.

140.

Mr. Browne

(Wexford) asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in having a decision given on a claim for unemployment assistance made by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Following investigation, the unemployment assistance claim of the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that, by failing to furnish details of his means, he failed to show that his means did not exceed the statutory limit.

He appealed against the disallowance on 17 July 1989 and arising from contentions raised by him in support of his appeal, the papers in his case were returned to the social welfare officer for further inquiries.

These inquiries have been completed and his case has been referred to an appeals officer who has decided to grant him an oral hearing so that he will have an opportunity of presenting his case personally. The hearing will take place in about two weeks time and he will be notified of the date, time and venue as soon as arrangements are completed.