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Mark Stedman

Joan's department recovered €83m in social welfare overpayments last year

Nearly 360 fraud cases were submitted for prosecution in 2015.

THE DEPARTMENT OF Social Protection has published its annual anti-fraud report and targets for 2016.

Savings of almost €464 million in welfare expenditure were achieved during 2015 through the prevention of fraud and error, while €83 million in overpayments was recovered.

Launching the report, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said her department’s objective “is to ensure that it pays the right amount of money to the right person at the right time”.

“I have always championed the welfare system as a safety net for those who need it most. It’s precisely why over the past number of years I have put in place measures to tackle fraud and abuse in the system, so that resources are there for people genuinely in need,” she stated.

Here are some of the main statistics for 2015:

  • Over one million control reviews were carried out which yielded savings of almost €464 million;
  • Seconded garda officers continued to work with members of the department’s special investigation unit in detecting and investigating serious and high-end fraud;
  • Some €83 million in overpayments was recovered;
  • Nearly 360 cases were submitted for prosecution, in excess of the target for the year.

The full report can be read here.

Plans for 2016

Under the strategy, the department will this year target savings of €510 million by reviewing approximately one million social welfare claims and “rooting out fraud and error where it occurs”.

Where overpayments of benefits have been made, the department will aim to recover €90 million in 2016.

The department also plans to continue looking into identity fraud and multiple claiming of payments, undisclosed financial assets, and cross-jurisdictional fraud investigation. It also aims to undertake site visits and inspections on construction sites where such projects are being publicly funded.

Read: Government talks have ended for the night – but “fundamental issues” remain

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    Mute Tom Newell
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:32 AM

    Which ones the celebrity?

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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:34 AM

    @Tom Newell: As if you don’t Recognise Tyrone from Coronation street.

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    Mute Sam Walsh
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    Nov 15th 2024, 12:34 PM

    @Ger Whelan: No, no I don’t.

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    Mute Brian Dunne
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:31 AM

    It’s one of my telly guilty pleasures! Always a bit of fun and ant and dec are brilliant.

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    Mute Brian Dunne
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:10 AM

    @J B: ah we can’t all be as edgy and cool as you.

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    Nov 16th 2024, 8:52 AM

    @J B: not need to be such a bellend..

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    Mute Eamon
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:25 AM

    No.

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    Mute Annette
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:32 AM

    NO.

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    Mute Margaret Deacon
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:10 AM

    Absolutely not

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    Mute Paddy Whelan
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    Nov 15th 2024, 10:54 AM

    Not for me but if it’s your thing then enjoy

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    Mute Alex
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    Nov 15th 2024, 12:11 PM

    Hopefully they get in Mrs Vardy halfway through the series, now that I’d watch

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    Nov 15th 2024, 2:00 PM

    @Alex: that’s even sadder than watching it in the first place.

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    Mute Alex
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    Nov 16th 2024, 10:18 PM

    @Tezmond McVicar: ouch

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    Mute Phillip Smyth
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:23 AM

    Viewers saying they’re not when they are.

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    Mute ben wu
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:53 AM

    @Phillip Smyth: I can quite honestly say that I’m not going to be watching any of it.

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    Mute bruce banner
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:20 AM

    Imagine how many great series never get made as this lazy format vacuums up a huge part of the programming budget

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    Mute Dermot Blaine
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    Nov 15th 2024, 2:49 PM

    @bruce banner: they make more than it costs I’m sure, otherwise they wouldn’t do it

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    Mute Phillip Smyth
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:05 AM

    Yep I’m in for it, can’t wait to see how Colleen Rooney performs.

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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:20 AM

    It’s right up there with Fairly shitty and Ireland v Finland!

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    Nov 15th 2024, 12:33 PM

    Love it. Watch it every year with the family. And ant and Dec ARE brilliant.

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    Mute Tony Mc Callion
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    Nov 15th 2024, 4:54 PM

    Not a great lineup

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    Mute liam ward
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    Nov 15th 2024, 11:57 AM

    And the deaf no,s will fall on the deaf ears of itv only their advertiser’s matter people dont ask Schofield that

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    Nov 15th 2024, 12:21 PM

    New programme starting the end of the month… Philip Schofield runs a train

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    Nov 15th 2024, 9:10 PM

    I’d rather dip my nuts in acid

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    Nov 16th 2024, 1:35 PM

    It’s not for everyone, but I’ve always enjoyed watching I’m a Celebrity. It’s been a family tradition since 2007 and it’s a sign that Christmas is just around the corner.

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    Nov 17th 2024, 9:55 AM

    Worst program ever.

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