Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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302. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to address an issue of an overpayment claim on a pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50363/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the Payroll Division of my department was notified of Mr O’Donoghue’s passing on 8 December 2025 and took action to cease pension payment at the earliest possible opportunity. As you will appreciate, year-end payroll processing is undertaken in advance to facilitate annual reconciliation activities and ensure that scheduled payment dates are met. Regrettably, in some instances where a pension or salary is due to cease during this period, an overpayment can arise.

In relation to the entitlement to a spouse's pension, I can advise that the Pension Unit issued the relevant application form to Ms O’Donoghue in February 2026 and is currently working with her to finalise this matter. My department remains committed to resolving all outstanding matters as promptly as possible and will continue to do so with sensitivity, professionalism and due regard to the circumstances involved.