Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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652. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when arrears of jobseeker's allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1540/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the jobseeker’s allowance appeal of the person concerned was scheduled for 10.45 am on Thursday, 12 January 2017 in the Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone. The person concerned was informed of the arrangements for the hearing on 21 December 2016.

According to the information available the person concerned did not attend the oral hearing on 12 January 2017 and the Appeals Officer will now proceed to make a decision on the appeal based on the evidence available to him. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer's decision when the appeal has been determined.

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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.