Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
721. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to withdraw social welfare payments from persons who are found to be illegally importing tobacco into the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37989/12]
View answerThe prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that persons engaged in illegal activity are primarily a matter for the Garda Siochána. While there is no general prohibition on claiming welfare payments where a person has a conviction, even a social welfare conviction, if the sentence involves a period in prison, then s/he would not be entitled to claim any welfare payment for the period of imprisonment.
