Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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101. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the way in which allegations of social welfare fraud are investigated; and the penalties in place to deal with frivolous and malicious complaints against persons for alleged social welfare fraud. [14534/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection receives reports of possible fraud from members of the public in relation to the operation of its schemes through various channels, including a dedicated phone number and a facility on the Department’s website for this purpose.

As these reports are, in the main, received anonymously, the Department has no way of knowing who made the report. However, it is important to note that a social welfare payment is never suspended or stopped on the basis of an anonymous report.

All anonymous or confidential reports are examined and, where relevant, are referred to the Department’s scheme areas and/or to inspectors for follow-up action as required.

Anonymous reports are not available to Deciding Officers when they are making their decisions on cases. The Deciding Officer’s decision must be based on the full facts and circumstances of the case. There is no system of reward or penalties in place in the context of the anonymous reports received by the Department.