Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:197 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he intends recovering overpayments where his Department has made a mistake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17666/96]
Written Answers. - Recovery of Overpayments.
The recovery of all social welfare overpayments, including supplementary welfare allowance, is governed by a code of practice which is set out in regulations that were made by me in July. Copies of these regulations (S.I. No. 227 of 1996) are in the Dáil Library.
Under the code account has to be taken of the interests of taxpayers and social insurance contributors, including employers, who finance the various social welfare payments as well as the ability of the person concerned to repay.
Recovery will be sought in the type of case mentioned by the Deputy. In all cases, including such cases, regard will be had to the provisions of the code.