Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
433. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether departmental guidelines were not intended to have the adverse consequences that have occurred in the case of a person (details supplied); if she will intervene in this case to ensure that they are not pursued by the debt management section of her Department. [59303/22]
View answerDeserted Wife’s Benefit is a social protection payment made to women who were deserted by their husbands. One of the conditions for entitlement to Deserted Wife’s Benefit payment is permanent residence in the state.
The scheme allows for payment in respect of a period abroad in certain limited situations. Reasonable absences of up to a maximum of 3 weeks outside the State are permitted, for example for the purposes of holidays or attending a funeral.
Under the circumstances outlined and, as the absence from the State of the person concerned occurred during two different calendar years, the Department has reviewed the recent revised decision made. The person concerned has been notified, in writing, of the positive outcome of the review on 28 November 2022.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
