Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2019
438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an overpayment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22367/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis lady was awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 26 June 2002. The debt in question occurred as the person concerned had means which was not disclosed to my Department from 11 August 2004 to 2 August 2005.
The Department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it and the method of recovery, and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable, are dealt with under the Department’s code of practice. The original debt amounted to €14,977.20 and the current balance is €2,317.20. The person concerned is currently repaying €20 per week.
The repayment of debt to the department is governed by guidelines. Those guidelines allow for the means and other circumstances of the debtor to be taken into account in deciding upon an appropriate recovery plan. If the person concerned wishes my Department to consider reducing the amount of weekly repayment, they should apply in writing to DA section and include as much information as possible about their weekly outgoings. On receipt of this information, a deciding officer will review the current recovery amount.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
