Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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304. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a cut in jobseeker's payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24171/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As the person concerned failed to attend a scheduled National Employment Action Plan review meeting on 9^thMay 2014 with his Case Officer, hisweekly rate of jobseeker’s allowance was reduced by €44 with effect from 14^thMay 2014. When he attended his Intreo Office on 27^thMay 2014 to enquire about the deduction in his payment, the person concerned informed this Department that he had failed to attend his review meeting because he was attending a course of education; he had not previously informed the Department of this fact. In order that his entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance could be assessed correctly, the person concerned was requested to obtain confirmation of his course start date, content and finish date. Limited details were supplied on 27^thMay 2014 whereupon he was again requested to provide the relevant details.

His review meeting with his Case Officer was re-scheduled for 3^rdJune 2014, and following his attendance at this interview the full rate of payment was restored to his jobseeker’s allowance claim with effect from 4^thJune 2014. He was again requested to provide confirmation of the relevant details of his educational course, and until he furnishes this information his past entitlements, including the imposition of a penalty rate for a short period, cannot be assessed correctly.