Ivor Callely
Question:146 Mr. Calley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the percentage of social welfare recipients who may be abusing the system; the action, if any, he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/95]
Written Answers. - Fraudulent Claims.
The most recent independent study carried out on behalf of the Department estimated that some 2 per cent of unemployment payments and 1 per cent of disability payments was being lost through fraudulent claims.
However, since then my Department has recognised its structures so as to allow a more focused and co-ordinated approach to the work of combating fraud and abuse. This reorganisation included the setting up of a regional structure in 1991, a Central Prosecution Section in 1991 and a Control Division in 1992. Special Control Units were also established in all schemes sections to initiate, monitor, co-ordinate and report on all control initiatives and activities.
There are, also, specific investigation units which work at local, regional and national level within the Department who carry out inspections of employers in relation to their PRSI obligations, investigate cases of concurrent working and claiming of social welfare payments, review customer means for assistance payments and monitor their continuing entitlements to social welfare payments. One such unit operates in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners.
Approximately 200,000 reviews of social welfare claimants and 7,000 employers inspections are carried out each year. Overall these activities saved the taxpayer £118 million in 1994 and will save an estimated £122 million in 1995.