Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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219. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons (details supplied) are being paid as two single persons and not as a married couple; if she will review their payments to ensure the correct and highest level to which they are entitled is being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51421/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I confirm this lady and gentleman are both in receipt of a reduced rate of disability allowance due to income from a private pension. The means assessment applied by the deciding officer is set down in legislation and therefore the deciding officer cannot deviate from the process.

I can confirm that this lady and gentleman are financially better off receiving individual payments with the means halved which they are currently in receipt of.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.