Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an overpayment has been applied to a person (details supplied); if an appeal was lodged on this overpayment, and the outcome of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in 2020 to provide support to people who had lost their employment due to the public health restrictions introduced in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Under Section 68L (1) (d) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended), PUP is not payable where a person is engaged in insurable employment, that is, works as an employee.

My Department has conducted an extensive analysis of Pandemic Unemployment Payments in the period since 5th August 2020 and has cross checked payments against payroll records from employers submitted to the Revenue Commissioners. The information available to my Department indicates that the person concerned was in receipt of an employment income for 20 weeks whilst concurrently in receipt of PUP. This resulted in a net PUP overpayment of €3,250.

If the person concerned is not satisfied with this decision, they can seek a review by writing to the Deciding Officer with additional documentary evidence detailing why they consider the decision to be incorrect. It is also open to the person to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). I can confirm that the person concerned has not lodged an appeal to the SWAO in relation to this overpayment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.