asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the disclosures on the "Today Tonight" programme on 3 December, he will reopen investigations into claims that a County Wexford moneylender (details supplied) had taken a children's allowance book as security for a loan, which was raised in Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 2 May 1985, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Children's Allowance Book Allegation.
55.
In the light of the Deputy's earlier question the postmistress concerned and the moneylender identified by the Deputy were interviewed by the local social welfare officer. The postmistress identified the children's allowance claimant and she, too, was interviewed by the social welfare officer. Both the moneylender and the claimant denied that a children's allowance book had been taken as security for a loan. There was, therefore, no evidence of commission of an offence under the Social Welfare Acts.
The programme in question merely reiterated circumstances which were already investigated with the results indicated above and, in the circumstances, it is not considered that any useful purpose would be gained by further inquiries in this case.
The Department are concerned that the law in relation to alienation of pension or allowance books by moneylenders or others is upheld and to that end will prosecute offenders whenever possible. In this case, however, the parties to an alleged offence, as already indicated, denied that any offence was committed.