Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
992. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which an overpayment will be recouped in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12835/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of this lady’s disability allowance (DA) was carried out and it was established that the person concerned had means not previously disclosed to the Department. This resulted in the disallowance of her DA and in an overpayment being raised against her.
The person in question has recently lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on the basis that the overpayment was not calculated correctly. All the relevant papers requested by that Office will be submitted by the Department and the SWAO will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.
The Department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it in an appropriate and timely manner. The method of recovery of an overpayment and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable are dealt with under the Department’s code of practice for overpayments and are not appealable to the SWAO. No further action will be taken to recoup the debt until the appeal regarding its calculation is heard.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
