Liam Aylward
Ceist:179 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will arrange an oral hearing for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on his unemployment benefit appeal. [20839/00]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment benefit since March 1998 when his hours of employment were reduced.
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 June 2000.
The inspector reported that, while the person concerned was working part-time, he is on call to his employer.
The deciding officer, having considered the inspector's report, was of the opinion that the person concerned could not be considered to be available for suitable full-time work with another employer due to his commitment to his present employer. His claim was disallowed, accordingly, with effect from 13 July 2000.
The person concerned appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office on 21 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.
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.