Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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529. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there is any disproportionate welfare checking of migrants versus non-migrants as part of the Department's investigations into welfare fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46410/13]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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534. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the procedures in place, if any, to prevent racial profiling as part of the new crackdown on fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46581/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 534 together.

The Programme for Government commits to a zero tolerance approach towards social welfare fraud and the Department’s Fraud Initiative further articulates this overarching policy objective. A key priority is to ensure that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them and that fraudulent activity is vigorously prevented and combatted.

Over the past number of years, fraud detection and control systems have been refined and enhanced and are subject to continuing review. A range of measures are employed by the Department to ensure that social welfare fraud and abuse is minimised and that its control activity is appropriately focused.

The approach taken by the Department to combat fraud is frequently reviewed and is regularly adjusted to ensure it is proportionate and that it is targeted on the areas of greatest risk.