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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

763 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will have his appeal for unemployment assistance payments favourably considered and his entitlement reinstated; and, if he is approved for unemployment assistance, if his back-to-work allowance application will be reviewed. [19996/00]

The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment assistance since June 1998. To establish that he satisfied the

statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work, he was interviewed by an Inspector of the Department in April 2000.

The deciding officer, having considered the inspector's report, was of the opinion the person concerned was not genuinely seeking work. His claim was disallowed accordingly.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office on 11 August 2000. His case has been considered by an appeals officer who is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
The person concerned made an application for back to work allowance in respect of employment which was due to commence on 21 August 2000. This claim was disallowed on 7 September 2000
as he was not in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment at the time of applying for the allowance. His entitlement to back to work allowance can be reviewed when his appeal in connection with entitlement to unemployment assistance has been finalised.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
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