Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputy Timmins.

I welcome some aspects of the Bill and look forward to discussing certain other issues on Committee Stage. While I do not propose to oppose the legislation, I will oppose the proposal allow people to use mobile telephones to sign on for welfare payments. It would be a fraudster's paradise and I simply cannot support it, particularly given the existing levels of fraud. People are quite concerned and I have received an amazing number of letters this week from people nationwide who were surprised that such a proposal could be made at a time when savings of €460 million were made this year in respect of fraud. The Minister must convince me and other Members on Committee Stage that this can work and will not allow people to defraud the State any further.

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