James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is interesting. We in politics have a habit of bashing civil servants on many issues but it has to be acknowledged that the Department has done a considerable amount of work to help many people who were badly in need during the pandemic. It has not been easy and there were many teething issues as well as problems that we still have to overcome. Generally speaking, the Department has had to undertake a major task. The increase in its budget has been eye-watering but that was a necessary response to the situation in which we found ourselves.

Mr. McKeon might provide me with a detailed note on the cases of fraud. It would be no harm for me to have a look at the issue because it has been raised with me multiple times and having transparency would be important.