Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if Gardaí have been seconded to her Department or are working with her Department; the nature of the working relationship and details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31110/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The secondment of 20 Gardaí to the Department to assist the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) with fraud investigation work took effect in early December 2014. It represents a new and unique example of multi-agency working to innovatively address the issue of social welfare fraud.

The primary function of any Gardaí assigned to the SIU is to investigate social welfare fraud. Their role is consistent with the functions already performed by Inspectors in the Unit. Seconded Gardaí have been duly appointed as social welfare inspectors, as provided for in legislation.

They are responsible for fraud investigations and ensuring that fraud control activity is undertaken within the three main pillars of the Department’s Compliance and Anti-Fraud Initiative, namely prevention, detection and deterrence.

The Gardaí are also working closely with other compliance and fraud investigation agencies to ensure that social welfare fraud is comprehensively deterred and detected. This interagency activity is a key element to assist in fraud investigation and the shadow/hidden economy is a key priority for joint investigations.

Overall, they are actively engaged in the detection and prosecution of more serious cases of identity fraud or multiple claiming of social welfare payments. In this context, it should be noted that a number of successful prosecutions have already been secured through the courts.