Family Income Supplement Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

Ceisteanna (222)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 18 October 2016, if as originally requested, a review in respect of overpayment for FIS can be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) with particular reference to the compassionate circumstances of the case; the documentation required from the person in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32826/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned had their FIS claim renewed in March 2016.

When this claim was reviewed, it was brought to our attention that the person concerned was absent from the state between 15 October 2015 to 15 November 2015 and 8 December 2015 to 2 February 2016. As a consequence, FIS would not be payable during these periods.

The person concerned was given an opportunity to provide travel documentation but this information was not forthcoming.

Notification issued on 11 May 2016 advising the person concerned of a possible overpayment and and the person was given 21 days to respond. Further correspondence issued to the person concerned on 20 June 2016 advising that an overpayment had been assessed against them and were given the opportunity to appeal.

The person concerned failed to reply to any correspondence issued to them and as a result, the period of appeal has now expired.

An overpayment was registered on 15 August 2016 and deductions commenced from 15 September 2016.