Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept the amendment because legislation is already in place that comprehensively provides for control activity, which is a feature of all social welfare schemes. I share the concern expressed by the Deputies in terms of ensuring we have in place proper control measures.

Currently, we do so in four different ways, namely, prevention, detection, deterrent and debt recovery. We take seriously all of our control measures. Fraud and abuse is an issue on all agendas when discussing all aspects of departmental activity. Deputies will be aware that staff in many of our offices are under pressure at this time owing to an increased number of claims. Some 115 staff are being recruited to ensure claims are processed quickly and our control work is continued.

Fraud and abuse is examined through reviews of claim papers, home visits, mail-shots, database checking, medical reviews for illness payments and special exercises targeting specific groups. We stop payments, seek refunds of moneys paid and even take prosecutions in respect of claims. Last year, 361 cases were referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for legal proceedings, 243 of which were finalised in court. Also, 26 cases of impersonation were followed up. We have taken action against employers who do not make PRSI contributions. A key area has been that of child benefit. Deputies will be aware that as of summer this year all new applicants signing for the jobseeker's allowance are required to sign on once a month and to collect their payments at the post office. This measure was put in place to ensure people are in the country and genuinely seeking work rather than simply receiving funds by way of electronic payment and, perhaps, slipping in and out of the country. This has been successful as a control measure as has been the action we have taken in respect of child benefit in terms of the issuance of certification letters. These are being issued monthly to EU workers resident here whose families are resident abroad. Substantial savings are being made in this regard. So far, 5,000 claims for child benefit have ceased. Also, up to end October approximately €38 million had been saved under child benefit, the payments for which are high in this country, and €11 million was saved in respect of the early childhood supplement, a total saving of approximately €50 million. This saving has been made as a result of control measures introduced by the Department.

We will continue to exercise our control measures and will seek to ensure that even further measures are introduced. On whether the Department seeks to recoup money, the answer is "Yes", bearing in mind the ability of the person to pay, the period within which repayment is required and whether it is possible to pursue the money in terms of activity versus the amount to be recouped to the Department. Combating fraud and abuse is a serious part of the Department's work. Approximately 600 people who work in the Department are involved in this area. Even though the budget for my Department is €19.6 billion the demands on it are great, as is the case in respect of every other Department. We want to ensure the money is going to the right people.

While I share the sentiments expressed, we have in place the legislative framework to enable us do our work and, as such, I am unable to accept the amendment.

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