Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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93. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a lone parent allowance (details supplied) [19547/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The information that the Deputy has provided is insufficient for the Department to identify the particular case to which he refers. It is open to the Deputy at any stage to provide further more detailed information to enable my Department to examine more specifically the issues raised in order to determine what action, if any, is warranted in the particular circumstances. It is important, in the interests of all concerned, that any alleged impropriety on the part of any staff member is brought to our attention with sufficient detail to enable the matter to be fully investigated.

The Department provides both a dedicated phone number and a facility on the Department’s website for this purpose. Persons are asked to provide as much detail as possible about the case they are reporting and they can do so anonymously.

All anonymous or confidential reports are examined and, where relevant, are referred to the relevant sections for follow-up action. In relation to alleged fraudulent behaviour by a customer, while a payment is not suspended or stopped solely on the basis of an anonymous report, it may “trigger” the instigation of a review of a customer’s entitlement. A Social Welfare Inspector may then deem it appropriate to carry out a full review of the circumstances and means of the customer in order to determine on-going entitlement to the relevant payment. The Inspector will then submit their report to a Deciding Officer for decision regarding on-going entitlement to the social welfare payment. The Deciding Officer’s decision will be based on the full facts and circumstances of the case, including the report of the review by the Inspector.

It is the view of my Department that this process provides a clear mechanism for investigating allegations of fraud without prejudice to the customer. In any case where the customer is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer, it is open to them to lodge an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office within twenty one days.

The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour sets out a clear framework within which civil servants must work and outlines the principles which should govern the behaviour of civil servants and the values which the Civil Service espouses. Where a member of staff of my Department is alleged to have breached the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour; Departmental policies; or engaged in inappropriate behaviour; the matter is dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.