Vol. 373 No. 2
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to serious allegations of social welfare fraud and related black economy practices in the building industry; the plans, if any, he has to combat such abuses; if he will ensure that public contracts, awarded to contractors registered in Northern Ireland will be carefully monitored to ensure full compliance with the laws of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
15.
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the black economy within the building industry; the steps, if any he proposes to take in consultation with the ICTU and CIF to eliminate these abuses within an industry which receives so much direct assistance from the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Question Nos. 13 and 15 together.
Social welfare fraud and black economy practices are matters primarily for the Ministers for Social Welfare and Finance. I am, of course, aware of the problem of black economy activity in the construction industry. I have taken steps to counteract such practices by strict implementation of tax clearance certification procedures in the works' programmes controlled by my Department and by confining grants for new houses and house improvements to work carried out by legitimate contractors.
