overpayment dispute

I have received a letter from welfare claiming that I was overpaid €5,000 in 1989-1990 (20 years' ago). I was not in country at time and can only imagine it was either a mistake or someone else signed on in my name as Ive heard was fairly widespread practice. The office says they may not be able to enforce this in court but it will always be against me. What can I do to try and clear this up? Does anyone know what rights I have here? Thanks

A couple of questions - does the DSFA have all records of this application - identification, copies of proof of residence? If a person was claiming unemployment - do they have receipts from when that person signed on? I'd definately get this one sorted - especially if there another person using your RSI or has other personal data.

If you werent in the country - you should be able to show proof of this ie. passport stamps, and if in employment elsewhere - wage slips, work records, returns to tax etc...rent book, bank account, anything that will show that you werent in the country and it wasnt possible that it was you who signed-on and claimed these payments. That would be my advice. Maybe, go to citizens information as well and get their input.