Welfare fraud - Impressive results must continue

THE saving of a whopping €210 million in welfare fraud gives a positive reflection, for a change, on the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Condemned for making life more difficult for widows and single mothers, the investigative side of its work warrants applause.

Ironically, the fact that five offenders were jailed is a reminder that when it comes to dealing with fraud, Ireland has a two-tier justice system.

Though far greater sums were recovered from tax cheats by the Revenue Commissioners, nobody went to jail. Inevitably, the perception that people with power and influence can get away with fraud brings the law into disrepute.

It is good to know the anti-fraud measures of Social Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan’s department are proving successful. Overall, 265 cases were referred to the Chief State Solicitor in the first six months of this year. The department’s review found unemployment payments accounted for €63m, while €62m was saved in fraudulent One Parent Family Claims, and €25m of taxpayers’ money was saved from false Illness Payments.

Investigators also discovered that one-in-six employers (15%) failed to pay the correct PRSI when employees became redundant.

Few will disagree with Ms Coughlan’s contention that her department’s budget should be used to benefit people who genuinely depend on social welfare payments.

It is vital to ensure that taxpayers’ money does not end up in the pockets of fraudsters but reaches disadvantaged families and the unemployed who legitimately rely on the State - people living on the cruel margins of Irish society.