Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 May 2014
99. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford is being pursued for a jobseeker's allowance overpayment when the error was on the part of the social welfare officials; if the overpayment can be cancelled at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21657/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was overpaid a total of €1,849 Jobseekers Allowance for the period 1 March 2012 to 18 December 2012 following a review of their income from their spouse’s insurable employment. The decision to assess an overpayment was appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office, where an Appeals Officer upheld the decision of the Deciding Officer. There is an obligation on the Department to ensure that every effort is made to recover overpayments in full and the person concerned is currently repaying €10 per week. The request for the cancellation of the recovery of the overpayment is currently being examined by my officials and a further communication will issue to the Deputy in that regard.
