Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is always open to a person to speak to somebody in the Department and reach a deal and on most occasions people find the Department very reasonable, depending on what are their overall economic circumstances. My advice is that if an overpayment has arisen, the person should speak to somebody in the Department to make a reasonable arrangement. If a reasonable arrangement is made on a voluntary basis, there is no need for an attachment, and the process may be as simple as creating a standing order. One could make a reasonable payment based on the guidance of 15% of an individual's personal income, leaving aside dependants.

Senator Mullins made observations regarding older people and we write on a continual basis to people in receipt of all kinds of different benefits in order to check if the address is valid and whether the person in question is still at the address. We also look to confirm that they are still entitled to the payment. Citizens Information and many organisations supporting older people also disseminate an amount of information about entitlements. I agree that if somebody is in doubt, he or she should call the Department or speak to an official and ask for a review. Our means tests are very generous in comparison with other countries and certainly in comparison with the United Kingdom and the recent changes implemented there. If somebody is unsure about an issue, they should check with Citizens Information or with the Department.

In reply to the Senator's other question, it is possible to reach an agreement with the Department and the settlement would be based on resources available and the financial circumstances of the person in question. The sum in question is €92 million per year and if honest mistakes happen, they should be rectified as quickly as possible in an amenable way. The Revenue Commissioners has an easier system because if people are in work, they simply adjust tax credits for the following year to reflect the change in circumstances. If we are dealing with a social welfare payment, it is also possible to do something similar. The Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General have certainly referenced this in reports over the past couple of years.