In 2010, total overpayments amounted to €83.4m across approximately 52,600 cases, representing 0.41% of total Departmental expenditure. Overpayments arising from activity suspected as fraudulent that year amounted to less than 0.1% of total Departmental expenditure, with a value of €25.9m across approx. 15,900 cases. The table gives the breakdown of the classification of 2010 overpayments:
|
2010 overpayments
|
% of total overpayments
|
Suspected Fraud
|
€25.9m
|
31%
|
Customer 3rd Party Error
|
€42.4m
|
51%
|
Dept Error
|
€5.2m
|
6%
|
Estate
|
€9.9m
|
12%
|
In 2010, recoveries amounted to €34.5 million (€32.9 in 2009). The overpayments figures for 2011 are not available at present as they are currently being audited by the Auditor and Comptroller General.
My Department is fully committed to recovering 100% of all overpayments, including those arising as a result of suspected fraud or error. Effective debt recovery is seen an integral part of the deterrent to fraudulent claiming. Debt holders should be aware that a Department of Social Protection debt will remain on their records until fully recovered. This will result in a reduction of all future entitlements up to and including state pension. Following the death of a customer who owes a debt, my Department has a claim on any estate remaining. Persons who have a debt and who are no longer dependent on social welfare are required to repay this debt as quickly as possible. My Department actively pursues the recovery of all overpayments including the initiation of civil proceedings where appropriate. In the Fraud Initiative 2011-13 which I launched last September, there is a particular emphasis on enhancing the recovery of social welfare overpayments, while taking full account of social inclusion objectives.