Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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135. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection how an application for jobseeker's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1421/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned made an application for Jobseekers Allowance on 15 July 2015. This application was disallowed on 23 July 2015, due to means being in excess of the weekly maximum payment for the person’s household circumstances, which would have included increases for three qualified children. The assessment of this person’s spousal self-employment was calculated by dividing the total drawings, as specified in his 2014 Financial Statement, of €27,265 by 52, which equals €524.32 per week. This is €121.80 in excess of the weekly rate of payment for a household of that size. Accumulated Depreciation of €36,180 was taken into account.

The person concerned met with officials within days of the decision letter of 23 July 2015 being issued. The decision was appealed initially but subsequently withdrawn on 1 September 2015. However the person was granted further leave to appeal following representations on 29 October 2015 and 26 November 2015 but did not avail of this option. The option to appeal has now expired. It is open to the person concerned to make a new application if there has been any change in their circumstances.