Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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193. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if social media advertising in relation to black market activity is being monitored by social welfare inspectors in respect of hairdressers and beauticians working from their own homes who may also be in receipt of social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8309/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Customer in receipt of certain means tested payments, for example Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, Working Family Payment are required to declare to the Department any income from employment or self-employment as it may affect their entitlement or continued entitlement to a scheme payment.

Social Welfare Inspectors are appointed by the Minister under Section 250(1) of the 2005 Social Welfare Consolidation Act. Their role is to investigate and report on social welfare claims and payments and any question arising in relation to those payments.

A wide range of investigations are referred to Social Welfare Inspectors under Section 250(2) of the Act. As part of their investigations Social Welfare Inspectors may, depending on the specific circumstances of the investigation, examine content published on social media by customers and take this content into consideration when carrying out their investigation.