Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
242. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the issue of withholding the recently awarded contributory pension arrears on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44718/26]
View answerOverpayments are regarded as debts to the exchequer and every effort must be made to recover the amounts due. The recovery of overpayments by means of deduction from social welfare payments is provided for in legislation - Statutory Instrument No.142 of 2007 (as amended) refers. This includes the withholding of all or part of any arrears due.
Full consideration was given to information submitted by the person concerned. However, having taken all the circumstances into account, including the amount of the outstanding debt, arrears due of €35,133.10 have been withheld.
The outstanding balance of the overpayment is now €151,394.50. Ongoing weekly deductions from the person’s weekly pension payments will continue until the overpayment has been fully recovered.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
