Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Public Accounts Committee

Comptroller and Auditor General 2016 Report
Chapter 16: Regularity of Social Welfare Payments
Chapter 17: Management of Social Welfare Overpayments
Chapter 18: Department Reviews of welfare Schemes, Social Welfare Appeals Process, Social Insurance Fund

9:00 am

Mr. John McKeon:

Can I just explain? There are different payments made depending on the previous duration of unemployment of the individual concerned. It is determined whether the person is unemployed for one to two years, two to three years, or more than three years. It is quite a complex payment structure. As I said, the total amount we are paying out is in the order €30 million to €35 million per year. Some 10% of the fees are registration fees. The balance is sustainment fees predominantly. Since we have a competitive tendering process and closed procurement, publishing the figures takes away our negotiating position in trying to get the best value for the State.