Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will get the Deputy a more detailed answer on the numbers and actions taken by the Garda. Gardaí take over if there is evidence of a criminal offence and prosecutions take time, but a number of people have appeared before the courts. For example, a social welfare customer with a Dublin address was interviewed. He was driving a van with the name of a courier service on the side. He said he was too busy at work and had not got a chance to sign off. He then signed off, but unless documentation such as invoices is found in the van, it may be impossible to prosecute. Perhaps his brother had just given him a job the previous day.

In that case, however, his jobseeker's allowance would have been terminated. If the issue appears to be more serious, it will be the subject of investigation and the Garda and the tax authorities may be involved.

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