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20 Oct 2025

Tullamore woman continued collecting social assistance payments after brother's death

Loss to the State in case was 'very minor' prosecution tells district court Judge

COURTHOUSE 2

A TULLAMORE woman pleaded guilty last week to continuing to collect her brother's social assistance payment after he had passed away.

Paula Kane, 64 Cloncollig, Tullamore was charged with stealing the payments of €416 and €208 on seven occasions from February to May of this year. The incidents happened in Tullamore Post Office and the money was the property of the Department of Social Protection.

Garda Ken Gallagher told the District Court sitting that Ms Kane had been an agent for the collection of her brother's “social assistance payment.

When he passed away in February 2025 she continued collecting it for another 12 weeks. In terms of these cases, the loss to the State was very minor, a total of €2,496. She has no previous convictions.”

The defending solicitor Patrick Martin told the court that his client is 59 years of age, has three adult children and is in part-time employment.

“She is very embarrassed by this series of incidents and she apologises for her behaviour. Following her brother's death she had funeral expenses to pay and other expenses. I would ask you Judge to please be as lenient as possible.”

Judge Andrew Cody remanded the defendant on continuing bail to the January 14 sitting of Tullamore District Court. He also asked for a Probation Officer's report on that date.

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