Vol. 459 No. 3
161 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason his Department is not proactive in the investigation and disqualification of drug peddlers and drug pushers who are fraudulently in receipt of social welfare payments; the liaison, if any, that is taking place with the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/95]
My Department takes its responsibility to combat abuse of the social welfare system very seriously. Any information received by my Department in relation to alleged abuse of the social welfare system is acted upon appropriately having regard to the correct application of the law and proper administration.
My Department also has a team of inspectors involved in investigative work to ensure that payments are not made to people who are not entitled to them. We have already saved over £100 million so far this year as a result of these contacts. It is, therefore, not accurate for the Deputy to imply that this Department is inactive in pursuing fraudulent claimants.
