I am advised by my Department that following a routine review of claimants it was noted that the person concerned was paid the incorrect rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance, for a person of his age, for the period 24 July 2017 to 19 March 2018. Consequently he was assessed with an overpayment of €1,747.28.
The person concerned appealed this overpayment to the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and the decision was that “the appeal made in this case cannot succeed”. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department.
The person concerned should contact the Department to discuss a recovery plan in order to process the overpayment.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.