Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1304: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in County Monaghan in receipt of jobseekers benefit and allowance in September 2008; the corresponding figure for September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30405/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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According to the Department's records, there were 1,600 people in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit and 1,380 approximately in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance in the four Social Welfare Local Offices in County Monaghan at 19th September 2008. Corresponding figures are not available for the same week in 2007 but on 28th September 2007, there were 784 on Jobseeker's Benefit and 946 on Jobseeker's Allowance. This represents an increase of 816 in the number receiving Jobseeker's Benefit and 435 in the number in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance.

The figures reflect the substantial rise in the national Live Register during the past 12 months. The Department, through its Employment Support Services and in conjunction with other agencies, continues to assist persons on the Live Register to make the transition to work, education or relevant training. Under the National Employment Plan, people who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by the Department and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to job placement or offer of training. A significant measure available to unemployed people is the Department's Back to Work Allowance scheme which allows them to retain part of their social welfare payment for a period when they take up employment or self-employment.

Other measures include the Back to Education Allowance scheme, the Technical Assistance and Training grants and the PRSI Exemption Scheme. In addition, the Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and other disadvantaged persons to assist them in improving their employability and personal and family situations.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1305: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for an invalidity pension. [30420/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal from the person concerned was received by that Office on 28 July 2008. The case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of this Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1306: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a non-contributory pension appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [30421/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of these the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.