Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
541. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether social welfare inspectors should be able to enter the homes of local authority tenants to carry out unannounced inspections; her further views on whether the home is private and that tenants should be given advance notice of inspections so that they can protect their right to privacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28233/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Inspectors are appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). They are required to investigate and report on customer’s claims and confirm that scheme conditionality is in order. The powers outline the requirement for a claimant to give an inspector information and any documents that s/he may require for the purposes of an investigation.
As part of their investigations, an inspector's remit also includes the combating of fraud and abuse of the Department's schemes. Inspectors may need to make notified or un-notified home visits. The approach taken in each investigation is determined by the inspector and if home visits, be they un-notified or notified, are deemed to be necessary to determine a person’s eligibility for a particular social welfare scheme, they form part of the overall investigation. Such visits to a customer’s home are an operational control measure and a decision as to whether a home visit is necessary, and whether the customer is notified in advance, will depend on the nature of the case.
Social Welfare Inspectors only enter a private home if invited. There is no statutory power of entry unlike a workplace. If an inspector is refused entry to a private home they may request that the person make themselves available for interview at an alternative agreed location.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
