Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded and paid the respite care grant. [15832/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The application from the person to whom the Deputy refers was received on 23 March. The claim is being processed in my Department at present and I expect that it will be decided within the next week. If the claim is awarded, payment will issue within one week of the decision being made.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 106: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded and paid unemployment benefit in view of the fact that he ceased employment several weeks ago. [15835/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the case in question, a deciding officer determined that the person concerned lost his employment by reason of misconduct and, under the legislation, is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefit for nine weeks to 10 May 2006. He was notified on 19 April 2006. It is open to him to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose was issued to him on 24 April 2006. A decision will be made shortly on his entitlement to benefit after the period of disqualification and he will be notified of the outcome.

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 in making such decisions.