Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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252. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52528/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The customer concerned was in receipt of the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non Contributory Pension. Her case was selected for a routine review to ensure that she continued to meet the eligibility criteria. Part of this review involved investigation and interview by an inspector. In the course of this investigation, the customer advised the inspector that she was in a cohabiting relationship since August 2017 and signed a voluntary declaration to this effect. The customer was written to on 29^thNovember 2017 to give her an opportunity to present any evidence to the deciding officer that she wished to be taken into account before a final decision is made on her case. Her response is awaited.

If the customer does not respond to this correspondence a final decision will be made on the case after 21 days and the customer advised accordingly. The customer will also be advised of her right of appeal in the event that she is unhappy with the deciding officer’s decision.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.