Michael Ring
Ceist:400 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal can be opened for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in respect of entitlement to unemployment benefit or assistance. [23889/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Ceist:401 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which an overpayment decision was calculated for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in respect of unemployment benefit and assistance. [23890/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 401 together.
The entitlement of the person concerned to an unemployment payment has been the subject of an investigation, in the course of which he was requested to furnish details of his financial position, including bank accounts. Having failed to provide the full details as requested by the inspector his unemployment assistance claim was suspended from 23 September 2003.
The person concerned was informed of this by letter and advised that his claim could be reopened subject to him providing the documen tary evidence requested. No decision has yet been made in relation to any possible overpayment.
It has since come to light that the person concerned has been engaged in employment on a part-time basis for some time and did not inform my Department of this. This matter will now be considered by a deciding officer and a decision made in relation to his continuing entitlement. Any such decision will be subject to appeal in the normal way.
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.