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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

436 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the work that his Department can offer a person (details supplied) in County Mayo considering that he is prepared to take any employment and has made every effort to try to secure work in north Mayo; and the reason he is being refused benefit. [12985/00]

In the context of a review of his entitlements, the person concerned was asked to provide details of his efforts to find work. Based on his response a deciding officer disallowed his claim from 20 October 1999 on the grounds that he was not available for and genuinely seeking work.

The person concerned appealed this decision to the independent appeal office and an appeals officer decided, on 3 April 2000, that he is not entitled to unemployment assistance from 20 October 1999 on the grounds that he is not seeking employment. An appeals officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts or fresh evidence.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

437 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be called for an oral hearing on his appeal for farm assist. [12986/00]

The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment assistance at the weekly rate of £58.50 based on a means assessment of £15 per week made in 1989.

His means were reviewed in December 1999 following his claim for farm assist. The social welfare inspector re-assessed the person's means at £151 per week derived from the farm holding. His claim to farm assist was disallowed on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.

He appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office and in this context his case was reviewed by a social welfare inspector. While the amount of means assessed was reduced to £93 per week following this review, his means were still in excess of the limit for receipt of farm assist.

His case has been referred to an appeals officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing of his appeal as soon as possible and the person concerned will be advised of the date and venue for the hearing when the necessary arrangements have been made.

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