Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the way it could transpire that an overpayment of old age pension dependant's allowance exists in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25302/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The husband of the person concerned is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) which includes an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) in respect of his spouse. Entitlement to this increase, which had been in payment at the maximum weekly rate, is subject to the means of the spouse continuing to be within the prescribed limits.

Following a review of this case in August 2011, a Deciding Officer determined that the husband was entitled to a reduced rate of IQA for the period 6th April 2000 to 28th July 2011, as the spouse had means from employment over this period ranging from €70.00 to €310.00 per week. The husband was advised on 24th August 2008 that an IQA overpayment of €40,157.34 on his State pension (contributory) had arisen which, under Section 335 (a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, is recoverable as a debt due to the State.

A debt recovery proposal issued to the husband of the person concerned on 30th August 2011, and on 13th September 2011 he consented to €50 per week repayment by deduction from his State pension. However, on 14th September he notified the Department of his intention to appeal this decision and the deduction has been suspended pending the outcome of this appeal.