Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I do not propose to accept this amendment. I am informed by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel that the current Title of the Bill, that is, Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012, is sufficient in regard to the various amendments to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and the Pensions Act 1990 that are to be included.

The various Committee Stage amendments that have been proposed by Deputy Ó Snodaigh are covered by the current Title of the Bill. In the circumstances, there is no need to include a reference to "Miscellaneous Provisions" in the Title. When I announced and introduced the Bill, I pointed out the various amendments which, because of the timing of the Finance Act, we would unfortunately have to introduce. I apologise to Deputies for having to introduce the changes by way of amendment but such was the difficult parliamentary timetable in the context of the Finance Act.

I ask Deputy Ó Snodaigh and Sinn Féin to understand that these amendments contain some of the most significant and important changes regarding the fight against the small number of people who are defrauding the social welfare system in the most serious way. The Office of the Attorney General and my officials have worked really hard over the past year to bring forward these amendments, which, as I outlined to the House last night, achieve two objectives in particular, the first of which is to give power to social welfare inspectors at ports and airports to ask questions of people coming through who may be claiming social welfare but who are not resident in the country. I would expect to have the support of Sinn Féin and the other parties for that amendment.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh was very kind last night in praising the work of the officials. While I accept that compliment, I must state we have been discussing this issue at committee meetings and in this House since I became Minister. Considerable work has been done by the officials and the Office of the Attorney General to perfect an amendment that would give powers in this area. I apologise for not having been able to introduce the changes in the initial Bill. However, in all my speeches and announcements, I stated what I desired would be achieved by way of amendment. I ask for the understanding of the Deputies in that regard.

The second objective is also of significance in the fight against the small number who scam the system. It is important that we address this; otherwise, confidence in the system among ordinary contributors and claimants who only claim what they are entitled to will be eroded.

Powers are to be given to social welfare inspectors to ask landlords questions where there is a rent supplement to ensure that the property in question is being used by the individual who gets the supplement. We have had indications that this is an area of particular risk and exposure in the social welfare system. I do not propose to accept the amendment but hope the Deputy will understand that, in light of the timing of the finance legislation, it was quite difficult to settle on wording in regard to the two issues I have raised. I am very conscious of the fact that Deputies on both sides of the House made representations to me through parliamentary questions, discussions and committee meetings to the effect that these issues should be addressed. Although I am addressing them in a tight timeframe, I am happy to say we are addressing them none the less.

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