asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason it took almost five months to process an application for unemployment assistance for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and the reason the application was refused given that he has no means and has sought work in many places without success.

To be entitled to unemployment assistance an applicant must satisfy a means test and be the holder of a qualification certificate.

When the person concerned claimed unemployment assistance his case was referred to a social welfare officer for investigation to enable his means to be assessed. The social welfare officer made several calls to his home address but he was not available for interview, thereby causing delay in the investigation of the case.

Following the completion of inquiries he was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit derived from self-employment as a painter and his claim was disallowed. He appealed against the disallowance and his case has been referred to an appeals officer for determination. His entitlement to unemployment assistance will be reviewed in the light of the appeal officer's decision.

When is the appeal likely to be determined? When was the appeal lodged?

I do not have the date when the appeal was lodged but I am informed that the appeal will be held within the next three weeks.

What is the average waiting period for processing a claim for unemployment assistance?

It varies from area to area depending on the volume of work at a particular time, but it can be from one month to three or four months.

There is a similar situation in my constituency to the one outlined by Deputy Molony in that the average waiting period would be three or five months. Does the Minister propose to take any measures to alleviate the situation for those unfortunates who have to wait for that time?

We have additional staff on the ground and we are seeking more staff to improve the situation.

7.