Vol. 554 No. 5
1685 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is being penalised given that this person submitted letters as proof of attempts to get employment and in view of the fact that there is no work available in his area; and when will unemployment benefit be restored. [16080/02]
In the context of a recent review of the person's entitlement to unemployment benefit, he was asked to provide details of his efforts to find work. The deciding officer, having considered the evidence furnished, concluded that the person was not genuinely seeking work and disallowed the claim accordingly.
The person's appeal against this decision was received in the SWA office on 23 September. An appeals officer has now considered the appeal and is of the opinion that an oral hearing is necessary. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
Under social welfare legislation decisions on claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role making such decisions.
