Welfare claimants will have to provide photo ID

PHOTOGRAPHIC identification will be required of the growing number of people collecting the dole and other social welfare payments after it emerged the state is losing millions through fraudulent claims.

A recent spot check found up to 10% of dole claims were fraudulent — mostly made by, or in the name of, people living outside of Ireland.

With up to €4 billion to be paid out in the jobseekers’ allowance this year, the figure could mean €400m falling into the wrong hands.