Michael Ring
Ceist:443 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an unemployment assistance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [29665/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.
Michael Ring
Ceist:444 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the unemployment assistance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was stopped. [29666/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 together.
The person concerned has been continuously in receipt of unemployment assistance since 1988. Following a recent review of his entitlement, a deciding officer decided that he is not genuinely seeking work nor available for work and his claim was disallowed from 5 November 2003.
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.