A solicitor representing a woman who claimed over €4,000 in pandemic unemployment payments she was not entitled to has been told that his client should appear in court.
Catherine Anderson was not present when her case was heard at Buncrana District Court.
The court was told that Anderson, whose address was given as Elaghmore Park in Derry, used her parents’ address in Donegal to claim the payments.
Proceedings against Anderson were taken on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection.
Mr Morgan Mooney, a special investigator with the Department of Social Protection, said this matter arose as a review into payments of the pandemic unemployment payment.
Ms Anderson applied for the payment which, Mr Mooney said, she had no entitlement to do.
“She said she lost her job, but she was working with a company in Northern Ireland,” Mr Mooney said.
The payments relate to dates between March-July 2020. The court was told that the total amount paid was €4,053.
Mr Mooney agreed with Anderson’s solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian that she cooperated fully with the investigation and added that the monies being repaid by her represents a “very significant commitment on her behalf”.
Mr Dorrian said his client is paying €400 per month now and it could be next year when she begins the pandemic unemployment payment repayments.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham noted that the accused’s address was in Derry and asked if she has since moved residence.
Mr Mooney said that Anderson has always lived in Derry, but she uses her parents’ address.
“It was necessity rather than opportunity,” Mr Dorrian said. “She has been struggling and her own emotional state was closing in. She made full and candid disclosure when spoke to.”
Mr Dorrian said his client, who has no previous convictions, is “fully motivated to discharge the monies”.
Judge Cunningham says the nature of the case provided a difficulty for the court.
“She took the step of using her parents’ address during a very difficult time,” Judge Cunningham said.
The case was adjourned to July 16 for further consideration.
“She should attend,” Judge Cunningham said.