Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
398. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an overpayment of lone parents allowance of approximately €24,000 was made to a person (details supplied) between the years 1999 and 2003, in view of the fact that this person was working at the time they applied for lone parents allowance and would have disclosed all means at the time of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9264/14]
View answerOne Parent Family Payment (OPFP) is a means tested payment and earnings from employment are assessable as means. The customer concerned was awarded OPFP from 2nd April 1998.
I can confirm that at the time of applying for the scheme this customer was not in employment. Subsequently, however, she commenced employment but failed to notify this Department. On the 6th January 2004 this Department informed the customer of the decision to assess an overpayment for the period 8th April 1999 to the 4th June 2003, due to means from employment. The customer was also advised at the time of her right to appeal this decision.
