Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

These are the most punitive and draconian changes contained in the Bill. Many people have difficulties dealing with bureaucracy and filling out forms. If a person is suspected of fraud, he or she is entitled to due process and any due benefits. I know from my job that anyone suspected of fraud would be suspended with pay because no one can be left without access to money. Social welfare fraud is essentially a separate issue and should not be dealt with in this legislation. This section basically means a person is guilty before they can prove their innocence.

While there is an appeals process, the section will leave a person with no means of income pending their appeal. Recently the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, stated she receives a large number of complaints regarding the time it takes for social welfare benefits to begin and the time taken in determining appeals.

I hope the Minister will delete this section.

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