Ivor Callely
Ceist:146 Mr. Calley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the percentage of social welfare recipients who may be abusing the system; the action, if any, he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/95]
Vol. 458 No. 2
146 Mr. Calley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the percentage of social welfare recipients who may be abusing the system; the action, if any, he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16893/95]
The most recent independent study carried out on behalf of the Department estimated that some 2 per cent of unemployment payments and 1 per cent of disability payments was being lost through fraudulent claims.
However, since then my Department has recognised its structures so as to allow a more focused and co-ordinated approach to the work of combating fraud and abuse. This reorganisation included the setting up of a regional structure in 1991, a Central Prosecution Section in 1991 and a Control Division in 1992. Special Control Units were also established in all schemes sections to initiate, monitor, co-ordinate and report on all control initiatives and activities.