New powers to help crack down on pensions fraud

THE Pensions Board is to get increased powers to crack down on pensions fraud, as Government concern at the level of non-compliance in the construction sector grows.

Publishing the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill yesterday, Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan said the new proposals would allow the board to levy fines, prior to undertaking legal proceedings, against rogue firms which pocket workers' pension contributions.

Currently, the Pensions Board is only allowed to undertake prosecutions in each case a cumbersome process which is rarely pursued.