Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Public Accounts Committee

2020 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 37 - Social Protection
Chapter 9 - Regularity of Social Welfare Payments
Chapter 10 - Management of Social Welfare Appeals
Chapter 11 - Controls Over the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

9:30 am

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I apologise for interrupting but I am a little time restricted and might revert to that question for a reply during the additional round of questions.

My next question is on the matter of suspected fraud. We are aware from the details provided to us that this accounted for approximately €18 million in 2019. The pandemic has naturally increased the amount of support that people have needed and it was correct for the Government to provide as many supports as possible. In terms of fraud over the past 18 months, what details is Mr. McKeon able to provide us regarding people who were in receipt of financial support from the Department when they should not have been? An issue has been flagged with me by people a number of times and it would be no harm for Mr. McKeon to put the matter to bed today. It has to do with people leaving the country who were in receipt of the PUP and other payments. Has Mr. McKeon detailed information on this matter? It would be no harm to get an insight into it. We have all heard of cases of people who were in receipt of payments when they should not have been. I would like some clarity on the position.