Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
431. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the amount of repayment in respect of a previous overpayment can be reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) given the current financial hardship being experienced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3168/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis person concerned was awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 18 February 2015. The debt in question occurred as they had means which was not disclosed to my Department from 4 January 2017 to 27 February 2018.
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 €12,053.10 and the current balance is €6,855.60. The person concerned is currently repaying €29.70 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.
No application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance or for an Exceptional Needs Payment has been registered for the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
