Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an exceptional needs payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44794/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My officials have advised that an Exceptional Needs Payment has been awarded to the person concerned towards the cost of furniture, appliances and floor coverings for her new accommodation. A payment of €4,600 was available in the person's nominated bank account on 12/09/02022.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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387. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of recovery that can be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) given the low level of income being received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44797/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Overpayments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended). Citizens who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled. Where an overpayment is raised, the Department makes every effort to recover the amount overpaid.

Repayments may be made by Debit Card, Standing Order, Direct Debit or by cheque. Where a customer is in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, legislation allows the Department to deduct up to 15% of the personal rate of the payment where the customer does not engage in agreeing a repayment plan. However, every effort is made to agree a repayment plan. Where a person is in employment and does not engage in agreeing a repayment plan, the Department will consider making an attachment of earnings order.

Recovery is sought over a period without imposing undue financial hardship on the person.The Department will work with each person and consider personal circumstances in determining a repayment plan.

My Department's Central Debt Unit is happy to contact this person directly in order to discuss her financial circumstances and agree an appropriate repayment amount.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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388. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if assistance via the exceptional needs payment scheme or the supplementary welfare scheme will be provided to a person (details supplied) who suffers from a number of ongoing medical issues and who requires assistance with the heating of their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44832/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Departmental records reflect there is no record of an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) or an Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) for the person concerned. It is open to the person concerned to submit an SWA application by completing form SWA 1 and including all relevant documents in support of her application.

For convenience, an application form will be posted to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application form and supporting documentation, the application will be assessed and the person concerned advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.