Woman claimed €27,800 in one-parent benefit while married

A Dublin woman who claimed almost €28,000 in one-parent family payments after she got married is being prosecuted by the Department of Social Protection.

Geraldine McGillivary (55), of Macroom Road, Bonnybrook, Coolock, admitted concealing the fact that she had got married in 2007 and continued claiming the payment until 2010

Judge John O’Neill at Dublin District Court heard that she received €27,864.

She now gets a widow’s pension and has repaid€1,540.

Judge O’Neill heard she pays €20 a week and that it will take 25 years to clear the amount owed to the social welfare office.

She told the court she was guilty and the case was adjourned until April to allow her instruct a solicitor.