Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - Suspension of Social Welfare Benefits.

Tony Gregory

Question:

60 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will ensure that his Department's investigation branch liaises with the Garda drug units and takes steps to suspend social welfare payments to persons involved in drug dealing where it can be established by their lifestyle that they do not qualify for payment. [16397/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

I am aware that the Deputy is very concerned about the illegal drugs problem and particularly its impact on communities in Dublin's inner city. I share this concern and wish to again put on record this Government's commitment to deal with this problem through appropriate measures in the areas of education, health services and of course the criminal justice system.

Entitlement to social welfare payments is based on the applicant fulfilling prescribed statutory conditions. In the case of the means based schemes like unemployment assistance, the applicant's income is taken into account. At the initial claim stage the applicant is interviewed in his home or a social welfare local office by an inspector who will investigate and report on the case. When a case is put into payment it is thereafter subject to review.

People in receipt of payments are also obliged to confirm on a regular basis that they continue to satisfy the statutory conditions for entitlement and to notify the Department of any changes in their circumstances. Following investigation on review payment can be suspended and disallowed where there is clear evidence that the applicant has failed to fully disclose his-her means.

The Department can and will use any evidence which comes to its knowledge relevant to the circumstances of people claiming social welfare payments subject to the normal requirements of the rules of natural justice and proper administration.