Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise the issue of social welfare fraud. TV3 broadcast a very good programme on this subject last night which involved a top class level of investigative journalism. We continually speak about issues over which we have some control but we have full control over this one. It appears, however, that we do not want to grasp the nettle on this occasion. Significant sums of money are being wasted through social welfare fraud but the political will has not existed to address this problem, possibly because it appears distasteful to do so. It is the black and cash economy rather than the green economy which is dominant in Ireland at present. People who claim social welfare benefits are competing with those who operate legitimate businesses. They pay no VAT or other taxes and the legitimate business people are losing out. The Minister for Social Protection needs to outline to the House the Government's proposals for ending the fraud of billions of euro every year because Joe and Josephine taxpayer are not going to facilitate it for much longer. I would like an in-depth debate on this matter as soon as possible.