SF propose amnesty for those reporting welfare overpayments

Sinn Féin is proposing a social welfare amnesty in October's Budget to protect those who report overpayments.

The party said the laws should be changed so that someone being overpaid on social welfare can report it without having to refund it.

They claim the measure would encourage more people to report overpayments and allow inspectors to concentrate on other issues.

"Our proposal is one that seeks to make a substantial saving without cutting essential payments to those who need protection," the party said in a statement.

Welfare Spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh claims the measure could save €55m a year.