Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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519. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for an alleged overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52980/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was assessed with an overpayment of €1,890.00 on her one parent family payment claim for the period 5 January 2017 to 12 July 2017 by a Deciding Officer of the Department. The overpayment resulted due to an undeclared increase in means from employment.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned has been registered in that office. In accordance with the statutory requirement of the appeals process the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.