Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to an appeal for jobseeker's benefit by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and when a decision can be expected. [14177/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned was awarded Jobseeker's Allowance at a reduced rate from 30 September 2008 based on means assessed by a Deciding Officer of the Department.

An appeal against this decision was opened on 24 November 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing. It is not possible at present to state when this case will be heard but every effort is being made to have it dealt with as quickly as possible. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.