Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Questions (277)

Michael Lowry

Question:

277. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide itemised specific details of all documentation outstanding both in the disability allowance section and the State pension section in respect of an individual (details supplied) in County Tipperary whose State pension has been stopped for two years due to an assessment of overpayment against them; the reason that the findings of the Revenue joint investigator and investigating officer from her Department who issued a decision on 30 September 2019 are not accepted and forming part of the investigation into a suspected overpayment in this case; if all documentation submitted on behalf of this individual received both by the disability allowance section and the State pension section has been shared with both Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6122/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned was in receipt of Disability Allowance from 2001 to 2017 at which time they transferred to State Pension Non-Contributory. Both payments are subject to a means test.

Following a review of the person’s entitlement to both payments, overpayments were assessed based on the existence of previously undisclosed capital held in multiple bank accounts. An appeal against the overpayment in respect of State Pension Non-Contributory was disallowed. At this time, payment of State Pension Non-Contributory is suspended because of the failure to supply information requested by the Deciding Officer to allow a decision on the person’s current entitlement to payment. 

The person concerned asserts that the bank accounts which have been assessed as capital actually belong to their children. My officials have sought to confirm this, specifically asking for detailed statements from those children, including confirmation of the source of the monies used to open the accounts.

Following representations from a family member acting on behalf of the person concerned, an email issued on 20 December 2022 setting out in detail what information is required. While some further information has been received, there is still outstanding documentation required. The investigation is continuing, and the person concerned will be notified of the documentation that remains outstanding. I can assure the Deputy that when this information is received, my officials will review the case further.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.