Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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595. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a deserted wives’ payment for a person (details supplied) will be put back on, as she is a permanent resident in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25336/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Deserted Wife’s Benefit is a social protection payment made to women who were deserted by their husbands. One of the conditions for entitlement to Deserted Wife’s Benefit payment is permanent residence in the state.

The scheme allows for payment in respect of a period abroad in certain limited situations. Reasonable absences of up to a maximum of 3 weeks outside the State are permitted, for example for the purposes of holidays or attending a funeral.

The person concerned has had 3 absences from the state during 2024 and further documentation has been requested regarding verifying the dates of absence and her Deserted Wife's Benefit remains in payment and will be paid to her bank account pending receipt of the information requested.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.