I propose to take Questions Nos. 962 and 963 together.
The claim for jobseekers allowance, by the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that she was not available for or seeking full-time employment. An appeal was opened on 8 September 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, that in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officers comments on the grounds of appeal.
The relevant documentation was received 21 October 2008 and the case was considered by an Appeals Officer on 9 December 2008 who made a summary decision disallowing the appeal. Summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without oral hearing. The Appeals Officer does not intend to open this appeal by way of an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.