Michael Ring
Ceist:425 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an oral hearing to finalise his appeal for unemployment assistance. [9903/99]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned applied for unemployment assistance on 10 September 1998. Following an examination of his entitlement his means were assessed at £199 per week derived from benefit from his spouse's earnings and from farm income. On the basis of this means assessment he was not entitled to payment of unemployment assistance and a deciding officer made a decision to that effect.
The person concerned appealed that decision to the independent social welfare appeals office. The case was referred to an appeals officer who decided that the assessment was fair and reasonable. All allowable expenses in respect of benefit from his spouse's earnings and from the farming operation had been allowed in the means assessment. The person's appeal was disallowed and he was notified accordingly. The person concerned has now made a supplementary claim for assistance and that claim is being examined by my Department.