Written answers

Thursday, 12 June 2014

Department of Social Protection

Social Welfare Overpayments

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an appeal or set aside the decision to recover overpayment of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25210/14]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In accordance with Department of Social Protection guidelines all debts are pursed with the aim of recouping the debt within the shortest possible timeframe. To this end the Department may withhold all arrears due to a customer and implement weekly deductions of up to 15% of the personal rate without the written consent of the customer in order to recover a debt.

As you are aware from previous enquiries on this matter, arrangements have been put in place to with-hold arrears of invalidity pension and to commence deductions of €29 per week.

Also, as previously advised, the person concerned was offered the opportunity to comment on the proposal and to provide relevant facts and evidence of circumstances that he wished to be considered prior to a recovery plan being implemented. To date, the person concerned has not contacted the Department regarding proposed weekly deductions or provided any relevant information pertaining to his current financial circumstances. Without such information, there is nothing for the Department to review or consider in relation to this matter. It is still open to the person concerned to provide material for review and it will be considered fully and promptly.

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