Michael Ring
Ceist:265 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be decided on in view of the fact that an urgent decision is required. [13763/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance based on a means assessment of £17.05 per week, derived from his spouse's earnings from insurable employment. His claim was reviewed and his means were increased to £167 per week with effect from 26 March 1997. The assessment was based on his spouse's earnings from insurable employment and income from farming.
He appealed this decision and an oral hearing of the appeal took place in Westport on 29 May 1997. Following clarification of several matters raised at the oral hearing the appeals officer reduced the overall means assessment to £117 per week, half of which is assessed against the weekly payment in his case. The person concerned has been notified of the appeals officer's decison.