Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2014
9. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department has conducted a cost analysis of the additional 20 gardaí seconded to her Department to tackle social welfare fraud; the projected benefit to the Exchequer of the additional resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47008/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe secondment of 20 Gardaí to the Department to assist the SIU with fraud investigation work took effect from last Friday, 5 December having been agreed earlier this year with the Minister of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Eight of the officers will be located in Dublin with the others being assigned to various urban locations around the country.
It is too early to predict with absolute certainty the precise additional financial savings that will arise; however, I am confident that additional exchequer savings will be generated. My Department believes that there is a strong case for greater investment on a value for money basis in this area especially when the value of the current control activity by the Department’s SIU is taken into consideration.
One of the key areas that the Department looks at in terms of measuring activity is the savings and overpayments generated by the Special Investigation Unit. In the period 2011 to 2013, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) generated fraud control savings of over €193 million. This year, a further additional savings of €64.5 million has been achieved.
Consequently when additional resources are applied, we believe that there will be a commensurate increase in savings. Moreover, the additional resources can be targeted in sectors where social welfare fraud is most pronounced. The case for the provision of additional resources is also compelling for the following reasons:
- These resources will ultimately generate additional Exchequer savings;
- The administrative costs associated with the existing SIU resources is offset by a factor of about nine to one from the savings they generate;
- It will allow for activity in areas such as the black economy, multiple claiming and identity fraud to be intensified;
- It will enhance public confidence and the overall deterrence of social welfare fraud.
Overall, I am confident that it will be a very productive use of resources.
