Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 5

Written Answers - Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, further to the answer to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 5 April 2001, he is responsible for policy in his Department; if policy in his Department is decided by appeals officers and deciding officers; the reason policy has deviated from previously established precedent in respect of part-time firemen; if he will again review the case referred to in the previous parliamentary question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11203/01]

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

Decisions on entitlement to unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance are made by deciding officers whose decisions are governed by the provisions of the legislation. Deciding officers are appointed under the legislation and I have no direct responsibility in relation to their decisions. Decisions of appeals officers are also independent.

Part-time firemen are subject to the same statutory conditions, including means assessment pro visions where applicable, for receipt of an unemployment payment, as other claimants. The only particular feature which applies in their case is that they are not required to sign off on days when they are engaged in fire fighting or training. This position has not changed in recent years.

The case of the person concerned has been reviewed and the amount of means assessed has been revised from £60.00 to £53.00 per week. Notification has been issued to him and any arrears of payment due will be paid as soon as possible.