Implement findings of social welfare fraud report immediately - McGrath

The Government should implement the findings of the new Oireachtas Social and Family Affairs Committee report on social welfare fraud at the earliest possible opportunity according to Tipperary South Fianna Fáil TD Mattie McGrath. Deputy McGrath believes that if implemented quickly the measures could save millions of euro ahead of the upcoming Budget.

The report, which will be published tomorrow, addresses several areas of welfare fraud including cross border fraud, payment of benefit to non-Irish children and cutting down on the black economy which is on the increase at present.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Deputy McGrath said, “I think it is vital that the Government really takes on board the proposals we are putting forward and acts on them immediately. If we were to fasttrack these proposals it would save the State millions of euro ahead of the Budget and that money could then go to more deserving causes.”

“In 2008, €476 million was saved through anti fraud mechanisms. While in the first five months of 2009 there was a 714% increase in reports of suspected fraudulent activity compared to the same period last year.”

“There is no appetite for supporting people who are exploiting the system, particularly in this day and age. They are taking money out of the pocket of those who really need it. That is why it is vital we get these reforms in place. The reforms certainly won’t stop all welfare fraud but they will go a long way to reducing it and that is something that needs to be done as a matter of urgency,” Deputy McGrath concluded.