Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason no directive has issued to the chief appeals office in relation to the implementation of the recent change in legislation pertaining to part-time fire fighters Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40117/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Section 9 of the Social Welfare & Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013introduced new provisions to exempt retained (part-time) firefighters from the substantial loss of employment condition relating to Jobseekers payments. The Regulations to give effect to these provisions were signed into law on 10^th July 2013 and staff of my Department were notified of the changes.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department in determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that Appeals Officers have been made aware of the new provisions.