Vol. 397 No. 7
24 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of doctors prosecuted or otherwise disciplined for fraudulent processing of disability claims in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is a continuous monitoring of all aspects of the disability benefit system. Arising from this monitoring 36 doctors were subjected to extensive investigations with a view to establishing whether a serious irregularity as regards certification of claimants had occurred.
In 17 cases the investigations resulted in the position being accepted as bona fide. In nine cases irregularities of a relatively minor nature were established and the doctors concerned received a formal warning. In ten cases more serious irregularities were proven and fines were imposed. In two of these cases there is an appeal pending.
The year by year position is set out in the form of a tabular statement which I am including in the Official Report.
|
Fine Imposed |
Formal Warning |
|
|
1985 |
2 |
1 |
|
1986 |
1 |
3 |
|
1987 |
2 |
3 |
|
1988 |
3 |
1 |
|
1989 |
2 |
1 |
