Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) had their payment cut; the criteria used; if all considerations, including PRSI deductions, were made in the means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41651/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Following a review of the jobseeker’s allowance claim of the person concerned his weekly payment was reduced. The weekly means assessed were based on his spouse/partners income from employment and were calculated in accordance with statutory requirements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers were received by that office on 17 October 2014 and that the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.