Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

To put it into context, it was a trial on a voluntary basis to communicate better with the customer. It was a small trial to see whether we are in the best position to communicate with customers. As I said to Deputy Naughten, no further letters will issue and we will review how to deal with the issue from here on.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh made several points. The average value of the social welfare overpayment is approximately €1,500. A repayment level of €2 per week would result in the debt being repaid in about 14 years. When dealing with a fraudulent debt which is about €7,500, one is talking about 72 years for the repayment to be made. The maximum deduction without consent is 15%. The Deputy raised particular specific issues in different cases. I would not have the knowledge in respect of those specific cases to which the Deputy referred. If he wishes to forward to me details of specific cases, I will be happy to deal with them.