THE Government has approved an enhanced programme of controls over payment of unemployment benefits, the Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa, said. This would be put into effect immediately.

In a written reply, Mr De Rossa said he was determined to stamp out abuse and apply the full rigours of the law to those who defrauded the system.

The Minister was responding to the Fianna Fail spokesman, Mr Joe Walsh.

The final stages of the Criminal Assets Bureau Bill was passed. It is part of the Government's package of measures which targets assets accrued by organised crime.