Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
631. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that an error made by her Department should impact on a person (details supplied); if this claim will be fully investigated; the reason that the many emails submitted by the claimant were not acted upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37751/22]
View answerThe person concerned made an application for Illness Benefit in respect of an absence that commenced on 17th January 2022. The initial medical certificate submitted by her GP to support her claim certified her as being unfit to attend work until 17th July 2022. Two further certificates, covering the periods to 7th and 10th February 2022, were subsequently submitted, however, neither of these were marked as a final certificate. Because of this, the end date of the original certificate i.e. 17th July 2022 remained active which meant that her claim remained open and in payment.
As the Deputy will appreciate the Department has been dealing with an unprecedented level of claims and correspondence across the course of the pandemic and this has unfortunately given rise to delays in responding to some customers, which falls short of expected standards.
The error that occurred in this case was not one made by the Department and taking account of all the circumstances involved, the Department does not propose to write off the overpayment, that has arisen. The Department will of course seek to agree a repayment plan with the person concerned that is reasonable and takes account of the financial circumstances of the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
