Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2017
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons (details supplied) are being paid as two single persons and not as a married couple; if she will review their payments to ensure the correct and highest level to which they are entitled is being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51421/17]
View answerI confirm this lady and gentleman are both in receipt of a reduced rate of disability allowance due to income from a private pension. The means assessment applied by the deciding officer is set down in legislation and therefore the deciding officer cannot deviate from the process.
I can confirm that this lady and gentleman are financially better off receiving individual payments with the means halved which they are currently in receipt of.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
