Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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124. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department will urgently assess the impact of their random reviews of means tested payments to the very old and disabled, having regard to the fact that the impact on the vulnerable people involved in terms of stress and anxiety may be far greater than any benefit achieved for the State and may in fact contribute to additional medical or care costs arising in particular cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34645/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is aware of the sensitivities involved in conducting reviews of means-tested payments, particularly where older people and those living with disabilities are concerned. The Department has a commitment to an annual level of control reviews and operates an ongoing continuous schedule of control and review activity for scheme recipients. The primary purpose of these reviews is to ensure that all recipients continue to receive the correct rate of payment to which they are entitled.

Reviews may arise for a number of reasons; at the request of the customer for a review of their claim, from targeted a or random case selections, or where specific information comes to the attention of the Department from other agencies or from members of the public.

Reviews are conducted in a streamlined fashion and clear information is provided to recipients throughout the process. People in receipt of disability-related payments may have their claim reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the qualifying medical criteria for the scheme. In cases where a Departmental Medical Assessor determines that no further review is necessary, no medical control review will be undertaken.

Recipients are regularly reminded through information letters or MyWelfare notifications, of their obligation to notify the Department of changes in their circumstances in a timely manner. This is to ensure that any changes in circumstances are notified promptly, reducing the need for further reviews of their payments.

I want to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to treating all customers with dignity and respect and understands the many pressures faced by those in receipt of welfare supports. It is important to note that decision made following a review is open to a review and/or an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals office.