Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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524. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; the reason the person must repay an amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17254/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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A review of this gentleman's disability allowance (DA) was carried out and it was established that the person concerned had been absent from the state on a number of occasions. This resulted in the disallowance of his DA for these periods and in an overpayment being raised against him.

Except in certain exceptional circumstances, disability allowance (DA) is not payable for any period in respect of which the claimant is resident outside of the state. On an administrative basis, DA allows for two weeks holiday entitlement in any twelve month period. In all circumstances, DA recipients must inform the department that they are intending to leave the state in advance of travel. No such notification was received from the person concerned.

On 12 March 2019, he was notified of this decision which included his right to a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. No request was received in this case.

The Department is obliged to recoup any debt owing to it and the method of recovery, and negotiations regarding the amount recoverable, are dealt with under the Department’s code of practice.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.