Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Fraud.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

144 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the fraud and abuse by social welfare applicants detected in 1999; the number of cases where criminal prosecution and other penalties are being considered or have been initiated; if he will introduce an amnesty to encourage those concerned to regularise their position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6318/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Detection of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day to day work of my Department. Some 600 staff work at local, regional and national level, either full-time or part-time on the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system. The total savings which resulted from their activities amounted to some £192 million in 1999.

Details of overpayments arising from fraud or suspected fraud, in respect of the year 1999 are not yet complete. However, overpayments amounting to £11,320,896, representing 14,147 cases, have so far been recorded as being attributable to fraud or suspected fraud.

The number of cases forwarded by my Department to the Chief State Solicitor's office for prosecution in 1999 was 338. At the end of 1999 a total of 470 cases were awaiting hearing in the courts.

Prosecutions are taken against persons who defraud social welfare schemes, and also against employers who fail to honour their obligations under the PRSI system. All cases involving fraud or abuse of the social welfare system are examined with a view to initiating legal proceedings. This involves striking a balance between the need to vigorously pursue serious fraud and abuse, while at the same time having regard to the individual circumstances of the case.

Amnesties were previously introduced, in 1991 and 1993, to encourage those involved in fraud and abuse to regularise their position. I have no plans to introduce a further amnesty at this time.