Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for jobseekers benefit was submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision will be made on their claim. [22563/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will qualify for a higher rate of jobseekers allowance than jobseekers benefit in view of their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22564/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 556 together.

The person concerned applied for a jobseeker's allowance payment on 8 May 2008. His claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for assessment of his means. Following completion of the Social Welfare Inspector's report a decision will be made as soon as possible and he will be notified of the outcome. He is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance at the weekly rate of €195.29.

The Department's records show that the person concerned has insufficient contributions paid in the current governing contribution year to qualify for jobseeker's benefit and there is no current application for this benefit from him.

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.