Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Serious questions have to be asked about the effectiveness of oversight concerning both the assistance and benefit schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection. I received a reply which stated that between 2011 and 2016, €420 million was recovered by the Department due to overpayments. It also stated that cases of social welfare fraud totalling €53 million were detected. The vast majority of social welfare recipients are honest, are entitled to it and do not commit fraud. I am concerned, however, that €420 million should have been recovered. Apart from the cost of the recovery process, it also has an effect on those getting payments. Many of them would have received overpayments unknown to themselves. They may have spent that money on very necessary living expenses, but are then forced to repay it or have it deducted from their payments.

Serious questions must be asked in the Department as to how overpayments are reaching that level. Anguish and distress are caused to families in trying to pay it back. Something is wrong in the Department, and it goes back to what Deputy Seán Barrett said about the HSE. People in the Department are accountable, yet they are not doing their job.

See this speech in context