Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
559. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31454/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverpayments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended. As part of the statutory process of finalising a decision and assessing an overpayment, the deciding officer is required to engage with the person concerned and offer them the opportunity to provide additional information in support of their claim and, as appropriate, to clarify certain matters relevant to the determination of entitlements. Any person dissatisfied with a decision on an entitlement may seek a review and/or can appeal any decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In respect of the matters relating to the details provided by the Deputy, a revised decision was made on the entitlements as the person was found to have means, in the form of bank deposits which had not been disclosed at the time of application, being over the applicable thresholds.
The amount of payments made in excess of entitlement has been assessed and communicated to the person concerned. The person concerned has appointed accounting and taxation advisors to support her management of this matter and the Department is content to work with these representatives.
The Department has advised the person concerned of the methods available to repay the sums overpaid and we await a response in respect of recent communications requesting full and urgent repayment of the sums advised.
I hope this information is helpful to the Deputy and addresses the issues raised by the person concerned.
