Government failed to tackle pension fraud, says Higgins

THE GOVERNMENT has failed to address a massive 35 million fraud which has deprived thousands of construction workers of their pension entitlements, the Dáil heard yesterday.

Following an Irish Examiner investigation last week which named and shamed companies involved in ripping off up to 50,000 construction workers, Socialist Party TD, Joe Higgins challenged the Government to respond.

"After six and a half years of this Government, why is such calculated abuse by a powerful industry allowed?" he asked the Taoiseach during leader's questions.