Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Allowances.

John McGuinness

Question:

244 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 7 May 2003, if he will investigate the case in more detail, as it is clear that his Department issued payment to the wrong person in this case and not to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the rights of this person will be recognised and the allowance awarded due to them; if the allowance will be reclaimed from the person it was incorrectly paid to for the period 1976-1980; if he will examine the information in his Department which clearly shows that the five children in respect of whom the claim was made were in the full time care of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14324/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The case referred to by the Deputy was investigated in my Department in 1980 and again in 1987 at the request of the Ombudsman. I am satisfied that no additional information has come to attention and that the position remains as outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 7 May 2003.