Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Oct 2000

Vol. 525 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the position in regard to an appeal against disallowance of unemployment assistance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23800/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The person concerned had been in receipt of unemployment benefit since July 1999.

His entitlement to unemployment benefit was reviewed on 9 March this year and he was requested to provide details of his availability for and his efforts to find employment.

In the light of the details provided the deciding officer considered that the person concerned had failed to show that he was available for and gen uinely seeking work and disallowed his claim accordingly from 22 June 2000.

The matter has now been referred to the social welfare appeals office. That office has now written to him requesting that he submit the grounds of appeal against the decision to disallow his claim. On receipt of this information his case will be referred to an appeals officer for early consideration. The person concerned is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the weekly rate of £123.00.

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.