asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have unemployment assistance paid to a person (name supplied) in County Kerry who made an application last May and who has not yet heard from his Department.

The person concerned was paid unemployment assistance up to 8th June, 1976, on the basis of the rate of means shown on his qualification certificate which had been determined by an appeals officer. Payment was suspended from that date when a question arose following the re-investigation of his means by a social welfare officer as to his continued right to hold a qualification certificate, possession of which is a necessary requirement for entitlement to unemployment assistance.

As a result of the officer's report the case was referred to an appeals officer and arrangements are being made for an oral hearing of the case in the near future. The person concerned will be notified of the time, date and venue of the hearing at which it will be open to him to attend and give evidence on his own behalf.

8.