Burton: Up to 43,000 suspected of dole fraud

NEARLY 43,000 dole recipients could be abusing the social welfare system, according to Social Protection Minister Joan Burton, as she defended moves to get claimants off the system and back to work.

Representatives for the unemployed rounded on Ms Burton yesterday over efforts to cut the dole of welfare claimants who pass up job or training opportunities.

The Labour minister was also likened to Margaret Thatcher after claiming the dole has become a “lifestyle choice” for some school-leavers.