Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the procedures in place for members of the public to make a complaint regarding suspected social welfare fraud; and if she will consider embarking on a publicity campaign to encourage the reporting of suspect fraud. [24749/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Central Control Section in Carrick-on-Shannon accepts details of suspected social welfare fraud from members of the public. All information given is treated in the strictest confidence. Under the Data Protection Act, information regarding action taken on any such reports to the Department cannot be provided.

Details of suspected fraud can be given in any of the following ways: a.by post: to Central Control Section, DSFA, Shannon Lodge, Carrick- on-Shannon, Co Leitrim; b.by email: to the Department at central.control@welfare.ie or c. by phone: (01) 704 300, ask for Central Control Section or (071) 9672648. We have publicised these contact details in the media and they are available on the Department's website. It is clear from the huge increase in anonymous reports made by the public to date this year (714% increase on the same period in 2008) that the public is aware of the importance of reporting cases of suspected fraud.

In light of this it is questionable whether a media campaign would provide value given the cost involved. However this will be kept under review. I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them.

The control programme of the Department is carefully monitored, and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.