Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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347. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the monitoring mechanisms employed to reduce fraudulent payment of child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17660/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The control strategy in operation on the child benefit scheme ensures that payment is only made in respect of children where there is an ongoing entitlement. The Department carried out a Fraud and Error survey on child benefit in 2012 which confirmed the Department’s view that the child benefit scheme is a low risk scheme in terms of fraud and error and that the existing control policy is effective.

Child benefit is a universal monthly payment made to the parents/guardians of children that assists families with the cost associated with raising children. Child benefit is paid to some 607,919 families in respect of some 1.16 million children with an expenditure of approximately €1.9 billion in 2013.

Safeguarding the child benefit budget and ensuring that it is only paid to eligible families remains a priority. A control strategy has been adopted and operated by the Department which includes risk assessment, surveys of the levels of fraud and error, scheme specific review policies, data matching initiatives with both external and internal parties and the investigation of anonymous reports. These control tools ensure that review activity is targeted in the most effective manner and the results are monitored.

One of the main features of the child benefit control programme is the issue of continuing eligibility certificates to customers. The Department commenced the issue of eligibility certificates to parents in 2008 and the control policy for the child benefit scheme was again reviewed in 2010. The percentage of savings arising from the eligibility certificates has been falling year on year proving the effectiveness of the control programme.

Another key measure, for customers who are paid at their local post office, is the monthly check carried out where the customer must certify that they qualify for the payment. The Department has also begun the phased roll out of the Public Service Card which features photographic identification of the customer.

The child benefit control programme is kept under regular review based on the outcomes achieved.