Welfare fraud targeted as 20 gardaí seconded to Social Protection

Suspected social welfare fraud is to be targeted with the secondment of 20 gardaí to the Department of Social Protection’s Special Investigation Unit.

The primary function of the gardaí assigned to the unit will be to look at allegations of social welfare fraud and initiate investigations where necessary.

The move has been agreed by the Minister of Social Protection, the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner.

The locations for secondment are Dublin, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Monaghan, Longford, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Navan and Sligo.

The pilot programme is for a period of one year, subject to review. According to a statement, the gardaí will be involved in preparing evidence to enable a deciding officer to review an entitlement to social welfare payment.

In serious cases of identity fraud or multiple claiming of allowances, the Gardaí assigned to the department will engage in prosecution.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said it’s important that people who need welfare payments most receive them.

“I have always championed the welfare system as a safety net for those who need it most. It’s precisely because the State’s limited resources should go to those most in need that I make no apologies for tackling fraud and abuse in the system,” she said.