New Budget measures to tackle welfare fraud

Social welfare officers will be able to inspect the bank accounts of people they suspect of fraud under new powers included in the Budget.

The range of tough new measures being brought in include increased fines of €2,500 and the ability of welfare officers to stop cars and question drivers without gardaí present.

The aim is to save €533m in false claims.

One type on the increase is where relatives of an emigrant continue to collect their jobseekers' allowance.