Burton to get tough on welfare over-payments

Welfare recipients who refuse to hand back over-payments will have the money seized from their wages if they return to work, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has pledged.

Attachment orders will be placed on up to 15% of a person’s net weekly salary under proposals.

Ms Burton is to amend the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill going through the Dáil to allow for the seizures.