Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

Tony Gregory

Question:

53 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will examine the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 who submitted written evidence from his wife's employer five years ago detailing her earnings at that time and has recently resubmitted a copy of the original letter having been billed for five years unemployment assistance overpayment apparently through an oversight on the part of his Department; and if he will waive the amount now due in view of the fact that the person is not in any position to repay such a large amount, brought about through no fault of his own.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance from 4 December 1981 to 7 March 1994 at the maximum rate, with no means assessed against him.

During the course of this entitlement, the wife of the person concerned took up employment as a result of which his weekly entitlement should have been initially reduced and later withdrawn. However, there is no record of the Department having been notified by the person any time during the course of the claim of the fact that his wife was in employment.

I am having this case fully examined in the light of the Deputy's concerns.