Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 5

Written Answers. - Multi-Agency Investigations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

40 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of combined Garda, social welfare and customs road checks carried out in recent times; if these operations were initiated by his Department, the Garda or customs and excise officers; the number of persons questioned; the number against whom action was taken or is being considered; if the operations were undertaken on foot of existing or proposed legislation; the plans, if any, he has to extend these operations in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6463/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of persons questioned by the combined Garda, customs and social welfare investigators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6576/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 101 together.

To date 19 checkpoints have been carried out under the programme of multi-agency operations, involving the Garda, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Environment and Local Government, the Revenue Commissioners and my Department. Their purpose is to facilitate checking of compliance with requirements set down in various Acts of the Oireachtas. Many instances of road traffic offences, vehicle defects, uses of illegal fuels, smuggling, tachograph offences, overloading and social welfare offences have been identified in the course of checking over 1,800 vehicles to date. In the case of social welfare compliance 118 fraudulent claims, mainly involving working and claiming unemployment payments, were discovered. In addition, a significant number of cases were noted for subsequent inspection or review. Some cases involving people who reside in Northern Ireland are being followed up through normal liaison arrangements with the Social Security Agency there.

My Department, early in 1998 accepted an invitation from the Garda to participate in these multi-agency checkpoints. The powers of social welfare inspectors are set out in the Social Welfare Acts and they include wideranging powers in relation to inquiries into social welfare claims. In the context of other necessary amendments to these powers proposed in the Social Welfare Bill, 1999, the opportunity is being taken to replace long-standing, more general existing powers with more specific powers appropriate to the ongoing operation of these checkpoints.

The checkpoints have been a success over the past year and, my Department will continue to participate as long as they remain effective in addressing social welfare abuse. I assure the Deputy that the staff involved operate in a sensible, responsible and courteous manner, which minimises delays and fully respects people's rights.