Michael Creed
Ceist:538 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork is respect of his unemployment assistance or benefit. [8942/02]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
The person concerned has been in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1996.
Following a recent review of his entitlement a deciding officer has decided that he was not genuinely seeking work and disallowed his claim from 12 December 2001.
He has appealed against that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. An appeals officer has considered the case and is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. The person concerned will be notified of the time, date and venue of the hearing when these have been arranged.
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.