Checkpoints reveal cross- Border fraud

RECENT SOCIAL welfare checkpoints in Border counties have left some cross-Border motorists in an interesting conundrum in relation to their cars.

Those illegally claiming social welfare benefit in the Republic – where the rates for jobseekers’ allowance can be almost four times higher than in the North – are inclined to drive down on “dole days”, the days when they are required to appear in person to claim the allowance.

Much mirth was had among Government officials when Department of Social Welfare inspectors first suggested claimants were crossing the Border. They were assured that the claimants were most certainly living in the Republic while seeking employment.

Step forward the Revenue element of the multi-disciplinary checkpoint team, with questions as to why, in many cases, claimants’ vehicles were registered in Northern Ireland. Welfare recipients in question then faced a choice: admitting they were committing social welfare fraud, or handing over their vehicle to the Revenue. The prospect has reportedly led to some biting of knuckles.

Gardaí were also on hand to check insurance discs. Insurance details usually provide sound evidence not only of where the insured lives, but of how long they have had the vehicle. Errant drivers of Northern Ireland-registered cars could opt to hand over southern insurance documentation, strong evidence they were living in the south and therefore had imported the vehicle illegally. Or they could claim they were not insured, landing themselves in court and possibly even in prison.

Over just two days of the multi-disciplinary checkpoints, Revenue seized 14 vehicles, is taking follow-up actions in relation to a further 24 cases and one individual is being prosecuted for having illegal diesel in his car.

While community activists in the region have reacted angrily to the suggestion that large rises in percentages claiming social welfare may be evidence of fraud, the Department of Social Welfare and the Revenue insist the figures for seizure and prosecutions tell their own tale.

They are standing their ground, with Revenue officials in particular claiming recent operations have been particularly successful and that they will return on a regular basis with more multi-disciplinary teams.

A Garda spokesman said the force is extremely pleased with the results. Checkpoints would be expanded in coming months. In future, he said, they may involve Road Safety Authority enforcers to check the condition of vehicles. “It will be a bad place to be stopped if you are in any way outside the regulations,” said the spokesman.