Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

There has obviously been a misunderstanding because the information I provided relates specifically to people from Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Deputy's supplementary questions related to all EU borders. There is a memorandum of understanding in place and cases are continually being investigated. The seven prosecutions and the 15 pending relate specifically to fraud involving people from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

I am aware of the issues that have arisen in my constituency. The matter was investigated and I provided information in respect of it. When the data was broken down, and even though a substantial overall number were involved, it appears that only three people were either in breach, to a certain degree, or their cases fell into a somewhat grey area.

There are issues that arise in respect of the broad spectrum. In an EU sense, openness and the necessity to exchange information are crucial. I am not sure of the exact position because I have not yet attended a Council meeting since becoming Minister. However, this will be one of the issues with which we will deal. Reporting is continual among the relevant units here and in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

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