Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure persons whose payment from social protection is subject to a review are given an opportunity to respond to the questions raised before having their payments terminated, which can result in considerable hardship for families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46072/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware all social welfare claims are subject to ongoing review to ensure that the conditions of the relevant schemes continue to be met and where relevant, that the customer continues to satisfy a means test. Reviews can be triggered in many ways such as by way of a change in circumstances notified to the Department by a customer, information received by the Department from a third party or by way of a general review after a certain amount of time.

Reviews can take many forms but would normally include a review of the basic conditions of the scheme and possibly a review of the customer's means. Where a general scheme review form issues to a customer, it would be normal practice for the Department to accept the information contained on the form, as completed by the customer.

It is not the practice of my Department to terminate any payment without first contacting the relevant customer and requesting all relevant information.

Where the outcome of a review is to increase, reduce or terminate a payment, the customer is given details of the decision in writing. At the request of the customer, this decision can be subject to review by another officer or may be appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Anyone who is under financial pressure can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is subject to a means test and other qualifying conditions.