Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
449. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a person (details supplied) with an opportunity to appeal an overpayment so that a full review of the circumstances can take place, given the number of years the repayment is ongoing. [9494/16]
View answerThe person concerned is repaying a debt she incurred while on invalidity pension and which she owes to the Department. The original debt amounted to €21,931.11 and the balance as at 10 May 2016 is €18,555.11. At the time the debt was assessed, the person in question availed of her right to appeal the revised decision which gave rise to the overpayment. Following consideration of all aspects of the case, an appeals officer (AO) disallowed the appeal and the person in question was informed of this outcome and the reason(s) for it. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in the absence of fresh facts or evidence.
The department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it in an appropriate and timely manner. The method of recovery of an overpayment and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable are dealt with under the department’s code of practice for overpayments. A person who is repaying a debt may request the department to review their repayment schedule, however repayment schedules are not appealable to the SWAO.
The person concerned has been in contact with my department requesting a review of the schedule of recovery of her debt. The repayment of her debt was temporarily suspended pending receipt of further information. Following a discussion with the person in question, the department has agreed to reduce the weekly repayment of the debt from €28.20 per week to €7.70 per week with effect from 11 May 2016. Of course, reducing the weekly rate of repayment will extend the period over which full recovery of the debt will be achieved.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
