Number of welfare fraud referrals halves since 2008

The number of cases of social welfare fraud being referred to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office for prosecution has almost halved since 2008, but the number of “serious” cases being referred to gardaí has tripled.

The Department of Social Protection refers cases to the Chief State Solicitor’s Office for prosecution under social welfare legislation.

However, where serious cases of identity fraud or multiple claiming occur, the matter is referred to gardaí for prosecution under criminal justice legislation.