Bernard Allen
Question:78 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the number of cases of social welfare fraud that were detected in each of the years 1987 to 1992.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Fraud.
Figures are not maintained in a format which provides the information sought by the Deputy. However, the following are numbers of investigations since 1987, which resulted in overpayments. These would include cases of fraud which would be difficult to define in absolute terms.
|
1987 |
9,056 |
|
1988 |
10,034 |
|
1989 |
8,866 |
|
1990 |
7,770 |
|
1991 |
6,365 |
Bernard Allen
Question:79 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of court cases which were taken in relation to social welfare fraud in each of the years 1987 to 1992.
Details of the number of prosecutions taken in connection with social welfare fraud, in each of the years 1987 to 1992, are set out in the following table.
Prosecutions taken:
|
1987 |
1988 |
1989 |
1990 |
1991* |
1992 |
|
111 |
320 |
269 |
209 |
50 |
Nil |
*The Amnesty from prosecution operated for most of this year.
Bernard Allen
Question:80 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason so few people who make fraudulent claims are prosecuted, and if he will outline the percentage of fraud cases which are referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Department's policy is to consider for prosecution all cases coming to light where there is evidence that a serious offence under the Social Welfare Acts has been committed. In this context a significant number of prosecutions is brought each year.
Those prosecutions which are brought at the suit of the Minister for Social Welfare are taken summarily and, consequently, do not require the involvement of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Such cases are referred to the Chief State Solicitor and are dealt with by him. The Minister may refer a case to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a recommendation for prosecution on indictment where he considers that the case is such as to warrant this course of action. In the context of social welfare fraud, however, it is unusual to have prosecutions taken on indictment.
Bernard Allen
Question:81 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are being devoted to detecting fraud.
Bernard Allen
Question:82 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are being devoted to prosecuting alleged cases of social welfare fraud.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
I am satisfied that adequate resources are devoted to the investigative function of my Department for the detection, follow-up and, where appropriate, prosecution of fraud and the general control of abuse of the social welfare system.
The position was enhanced last year with the introduction of a new regional management structure and the assignment of additional resources.
It is my policy to continually review the procedures and resources available for this function.