Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded arrears for unemployment benefit. [2027/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for unemployment benefit on 6 October 2004. A deciding officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that she was not genuinely seeking employment. Based on additional information received, the deciding officer revised her decision and allowed the claim from 23 November 2004 at the maximum weekly rate of €148.80. The person concerned has appealed the decision to disallow her claim for the period between 6 October 2004 and 22 November 2004. Her file has been forwarded to the independent social welfare appeals office for determination. Under social welfare legislation, decisions about claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. The officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the granting of an non-contributory pension to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [2029/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Social and Family Affairs received an application from the person concerned for an old age non-contributory pension on 20 January 2005. Her entitlement to this pension will shortly be investigated and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the lone parent's allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [2030/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The person's application for a one-parent family allowance was disallowed by a deciding officer because she is co-habiting. Her appeal against the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office was considered by an appeals officer, who decided that an oral hearing is necessary. It is proposed to hold the oral hearing in the week commencing 7 February 2005. The person concerned is in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the weekly rate of €182.40. Under social welfare legislation, decisions about claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. The officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in making such decisions.