Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full review of the case of a person (details supplied) will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58271/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned received child benefit for her daughter for a period during which the child no longer resided with her. She was therefore not entitled to payment for the period in question and a revised decision was made disallowing child benefit in respect of the period concerned (August to October 2006). This resulted in an overpayment of €450.00. She was notified of the decision and the overpayment amount in November 2006.
The Department has already reviewed this matter as a result of an earlier PQ (reference 52235/2017) and on foot of an assertion from the person concerned that she did not receive these payments. The payments issued to the same Post Office as other earlier child benefit payments made to the same person, and Social Welfare payments made at Post Offices must be collected in person by the customer (who must have ID, or otherwise be known to the Post Office, at the time.). As a result, the Department is satisfied that the payments were made to the correct customer and the overpayment decision remains valid.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
