Michael Creed
Question:121. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the additional steps she proposes to take to tackle the problem of the black economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52055/12]
View answerThursday, 22 November 2012
Questions (121)
Written answers
A key priority of my Department’s Fraud Initiative is the active policing of the hidden economy and those sectors where there is a prevalence of social welfare fraud and abuse. In conjunction with other agencies and in particular with the Revenue Commissioners, the Department continues to tackle the shadow economy by a combination of intelligence collation, assurance checks, data sharing and outdoor operations, including inspections and direct investigations. In addition, one of the priorities of the High Level Group of Senior Officials established between my Department and Revenue is to ensure on-going collaboration and interaction between the organisations, including oversight of activities designed to combat the shadow economy.
The Department also participates on the Hidden Economy Monitoring Group with Revenue, Employer and Union representative bodies. This Group provides a formal structure to monitor developments, share experiences and make proposals for combating the hidden economy. In addition, the Department engages and meets with business and industry representatives. Increasingly, the Department is finding that bodies and individuals are prepared to share insights and specific information with us with regard to shadow economy activity. Where intelligence or reliable reports are received about specific sectors or persons engaged in concurrent working and claiming or under declaration of income, then reviews of eligibility are immediately undertaken. Case interventions are undertaken based on assessments of compliance risks and other relevant information. The approach taken by the Department is frequently reviewed and is regularly adjusted to concentrate on the areas of greatest risk, based on its operational experience and credible information received from industry and business sectors.
Question No. 122 withdrawn.