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

Question 383: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded jobseekers allowance following the success of their appeal; and when his arrears of payment will issue. [8382/07]

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

A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's allowance claim of the person concerned from the 19 October 2006 on the grounds that he was not genuinely seeking work. The person concerned appealed this decision. Following an oral hearing an Appeals Officer allowed his jobseeker's claim.

The weekly payment of Jobseekers Allowance of €185.80 will shortly issue to the person concerned. He had been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance also at the weekly rate of €185.80 prior to this award.

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.

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

Question 384: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an oral hearing was not held in relation to an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if an oral hearing will now be held. [8384/07]

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

A claim for unemployment assistance (since renamed jobseekers allowance) by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that she was not unemployed. The person appealed this decision and an Appeals Officer made a summary decision disallowing the appeal. Summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that a case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without an oral hearing. The Appeals Officer does not intend to reopen this appeal by way of an oral hearing.

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.