Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
359. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the systems that are in place to ensure that persons living outside this jurisdiction are not in receipt of payments that require a person to be resident in this State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23766/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible receive welfare and other payments. Our overriding objective is to ensure that we pay the right people, the right amount, through the right scheme/programme, at the right time. All schemes operated by my Department are subject to ongoing control reviews and continuing eligibility checks which include the verification of a person's identity and address. My Department carried out 558,000 control reviews over the course of 2022.
All Social Welfare schemes are subject to periodic reviews to ensure there is continued entitlement. These reviews include seeking ongoing confirmation of continued eligibility, either through issuing forms for this purpose via post or asking persons to attend an office of the Department in person. Follow up action is taken where a person fails to respond or attend as requested. Social Welfare Inspectors, including my Department’s Special Investigation Unit, also carry out residency checks by calling to a person’s stated address. In some cases, payments are made via the Post Office network rather than by way of bank transfer.
My Department is also committed to carrying out Control Surveys on various Schemes throughout the year. In each survey, a random sample of cases in payment in a particular week is selected. These cases are then referred to social welfare inspectors for full investigation. These surveys assist in identifying weaknesses and directing the focus of control activities.
It is also important to note that Social Welfare legislation obliges every claimant or beneficiary to notify the Department of any change in circumstances which may affect their entitlement to that benefit/assistance, this includes change of address. The Department informs claimants of this requirement when a payment is awarded.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
