Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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335. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an overpayment of family income supplement, FIS, can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30780/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In order to be entitled to family income supplement (FIS) a person (inter-alia) must be working as an employee for at least 19 hours per week/38 hours per fortnight.

The person concerned applied to renew their FIS claim in March 2016. At that time a deciding officer became aware that the person concerned was absent from the State and his employment between 15th October 2015 to 15th November 2015 and 8th December 2015 to 2nd February 2016.

He was contacted by letter on 11th May 2016 and advised that his entitlement to FIS during these periods was being reviewed. He was invited to comment and/or provide further information but he did not do so.

Further correspondence issued to the person concerned on 20th June 2016 advising that a revised decision had been made covering the periods of absence resulting in an overpayment which must be repaid to the Department. He was notified of his right of appeal but he did not lodge an appeal within the time allowed.

Deductions from his weekly FIS payment commenced from 15th September 2016 in order to recoup the overpayment.

The revised decision may be reviewed by a deciding officer if the person in question submits new evidence or facts material to the case and requests a review.