Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

335. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his views on recent reports (details supplied) that the child benefit payment system is subject to abuse by non-resident nationals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52853/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Social Protection is committed to ensuring that only those who are eligible, receive social welfare payments. Achieving this requires that robust safeguards are in place that secure our payment systems, detect fraud and error, and prevent fraudulent claiming.

In order to apply for Child Benefit both the mother and child must have a valid Personal Public Service numbers (PPSN). The mother must present themselves at a PPSN allocation canter in Ireland and provide identity documentation including proof of address dated within the last 3 months. Babies born in the State must have their birth registered before they can be allocated a PPSN. These processes can not be completed in one day.

Child Benefit is also subject to Habitual Residence condition, which means that the customer:

• has proven close ties with Ireland;
• has been living in Ireland for some time;
• intends to stay in Ireland for the foreseeable future.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

336. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons from 2018 to date who have had child benefit payments ended because of fraud or because they were found to have misled his Department with respect to compliance and eligibility rules; the estimated cost to the taxpayer involving such cases in terms of monies that were paid out that should not have been paid out to claimants during this time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52854/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Child Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17 and 18 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.

Overpayments of social welfare entitlements can occur where a person provides false or misleading information in their application or through error on the part of either the claimant or the Department. Persons who have been overpaid have a liability to refund these monies.

The table below sets out the number of overpayments raised and their associated value in cases where fraudulent activity was suspected in Child Benefit. These cases arose where a deciding officer was satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that a person deliberately provided false or misleading information or willfully concealed relevant information in relation to their entitlement. The Deputy will appreciate that there is a high evidential standard to be met in such cases.

It should also be noted that eight persons were subject to criminal prosecution following Child Benefit fraud for this period.

Control reviews on the Child Benefit scheme can arise from various sources including the Continuing Eligibility Certification process or from a change of circumstance for the customer. As per the most recent published Control Annual Report (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/collections/annual-reports-compliance-and-anti-fraud-strategy/) there were 289,767 control reviews carried out for Child Benefit in 2023.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.