Welfare by text - Plan must be fraud proof

IF our current difficulties have taught us anything it is that the Irish may be culturally incapable of self regulation. A whole range of professions and vocations have shown that protecting self interest comes much more easily than serving the greater good.

That is why it is hard to understand the proposal to allow some social welfare applicants certify their availability for work via mobile phone.

It is not being unkind to suggest that this could be used to facilitate even more social welfare fraud. It represents a considerable change from just a year ago when it was mooted that those who wished to apply for unemployment benefits would have to produce photographic ID. If this scheme brings new efficiencies and economies to the service it must be welcomed but it should be balanced with penalties that would make its misuse prohibitively expensive.