Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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190. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the names and addresses of persons in receipt of long-term disability payments are verified on a regular basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39129/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible receive welfare and other payments. Our overriding objective is to ensure that that we pay the right people, the right amount, through the right scheme/programme, at the right time. All schemes operated by my Department are subject to ongoing control reviews and continuing eligibility checks which include the verification of our customers name and address.

In line with other Social Welfare schemes, persons in receipt of long-term disability payments are subject to periodic reviews to ensure there is continued entitlement. Carrying our appropriate checks, including verification of name and address, at the new application stage as well as the establishment of continued ongoing entitlement to payments ensures that claims are processed in accordance with the legislation and that customers receive their correct entitlement. These controls are also designed to quality assure the work undertaken by the department and to prevent fraud and error in the schemes administered.

It is also important to note that Social Welfare legislation obliges every claimant or beneficiary to notify the Department of any change in circumstances which may affect their entitlement to that benefit/assistance, this includes change of name and address. The Department informs claimants of this requirement when a payment is awarded.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.