Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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650. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the procedure for a social welfare inspector that is investigating a case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2884/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Social Welfare Inspectors, SWIs, are appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). As part of their function, they are required to investigate and report on customer’s claims and confirm that scheme conditionality is in order. They also have a role in ensuring that compliance is in order in relation to employer’s PRSI.

The Department's Inspectorate investigates is responsible for ensuring that employers comply with the Acts in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions and for investigating such matters as the insurability of employment under the Acts.  Its remit also includes the combating of fraud and abuse of the Department's schemes.  The appointment and duties of Social Welfare Inspectors are provided for in Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. These outline the requirement for a claimant to give an inspector information and any documents that s/he may require for the purposes of an investigation.  They also include the power to enter any premises liable for inspection and inspect and take copies or extracts from any records found there as may be necessary to ascertain compliance with the Act.

The social welfare inspector decides what investigative approach is required and is most appropriate to the case. Investigations may involve  desk assessments, office interviews, written and or verbal enquiries and may also include home visits. These may be notified or un-notified depending on the nature of the case. Inspectors may also be required to make visits to employers and may also engage in site visits.

 I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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651. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it is correct procedure for a social welfare inspector to call to the place of work of a person when they are working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2885/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Social Welfare Inspectors, SWIs, are appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) and are required to investigate and report on customer’s claims and confirm that scheme conditionality is in order. They also have a role in ensuring that compliance is in order in relation to employer’s PRSI.

As part of their investigations, SWIs may need to call to a person's place of employment when they are working.  This depends on the scheme involved and the specific circumstances of each case. It is at the discretion of the Inspector to decide whether or not  visits to an employer are necessary. Such visits to a person's place of employment are generally an operational control measure.  The inspector may notify the employer and or the person in advance or may have reasons for not doing. 

 I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.