Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond briefly to the amendment the Deputy tabled. We already have extensive and appropriate investigative powers for the appointment of authorised and designated officers who have the power to obtain information from financial institutions without the consent of the customer where there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has been fraudulently claiming a social welfare payment. This is an exceptional measure that is used judiciously and proportionately. I understand the Deputy's sentiment, which I strongly support, to make savings from potential fraud against the State. However, we have already introduced measures-----

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