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

Question 317: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for carer's allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18201/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of my Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of this response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

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

Question 318: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused jobseeker's benefit, despite an appeal, in view of the fact that they are genuinely available for full-time work and are genuinely seeking work on a sustained and consistent basis; and if this case will be reviewed again. [18224/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's benefit claim of the person concerned from 25 January 2008, on the grounds that she was not available for, or genuinely seeking work. She appealed this decision. However, the Appeals Officer was not satisfied that she was available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work on a sustained and consistent basis and accordingly upheld the Deciding Officer's decision. An Appeals Officer's decision is final in the absence of new facts, or fresh evidence.

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.