Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
102 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the method of recording and calculating fraud control savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1664/10]
View answer128 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to change the methodology by which savings on fraud and overpayments are calculated by her Department. [1792/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 128together.
Control savings are calculated by applying validated multipliers to the difference in the rate of payment before and after the control activity. Multipliers used in assessing control savings estimate the total future savings to the Department of a revocation or reduction resulting from a control action. The multiplier used is based on the average amount of time the person whose payment is stopped will remain off the books before returning. This time varies from scheme to scheme.
There is a comprehensive control guideline which sets out:
(a) What constitutes a control saving in the various control activities;
(b) The various multipliers to be used in determining saving;
(c) The method of reporting reviews and savings.
Control Division carry out on-going validation exercises to ensure control savings are recorded correctly. There are no plans to change this method of identifying savings.
