Michael Ring
Ceist:398 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if unemployment assistance can be restored to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23887/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Ceist:399 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for the back to work scheme. [23888/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.
The entitlement of the person concerned to an unemployment payment has been the subject of an ongoing investigation since July 2003. He was requested to provide detailed information regarding his financial situation including his bank accounts.
Having failed to provide the full details as requested by the inspector his unemployment assistance claim was suspended from 22 September 2003. The person concerned was informed of this by letter and advised that his claim could be reopened subject to him providing the documentary evidence requested.
The person concerned subsequently informed the Department that he would be taking up employment from 22 September 2003. He is, therefore, not currently entitled to an unemployment payment.
The person concerned applied for back to work allowance on 2 September 2003. When a person in receipt of an unemployment payment is approved for back to work allowance their new rate of payment is based on their previous entitlement. Given that his entitlement to an unemployment payment was under review prior to his application, and that his means could not be determined as he had failed to co-operate with the inspector, his back to work allowance claim could not be considered.