Welfare fraud probe saves €37m

A SPECIAL investigation unit cracking down on social welfare abuse has netted savings of €37 million so far this year as it goes after trades and professions in the “hidden economy”.

Inspectors at the Department of Social Protection have joined forces with the Revenue Commissioners and cut off payments to a number of dole recipients following ongoing investigations.

Figures obtained by the Irish Examiner detail a clampdown on fraudulent claims made by couriers, taxi drivers and scrap dealers, as well as a number of employees in the clothes recycling sector.