Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is referring to legislation introduced long before my time, as I am a new Deputy. I will look at this issue and revert to him. If he is referring to a particular company or individual, I ask him to provide me with the details, which will provide a focus for me.

I do not believe it was the intention of this House or the Dáil at the time to treat anybody differently. It may be just the case that if there are assets, the State should not pick up a bill when a company or somebody else could pick it up. I am aware from personal experience of dealing with people that when there is an overpayment we try not to impinge on people's lives in having them repay it. I am also aware of cases where recovery is made from a person's estate after his or her death. I ask the Senator to give me the details of case and I will l certainly look into them.