Welfare system changes to halt abuse

IRELAND is to introduce changes to the social welfare system that will make it more difficult for people to abuse the system, according to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The changes are directed at discouraging people from the new EU member states taking part in what is seen as benefit tourism after enlargement on May 1.

However, any new regulations are likely to apply also to Irish people and to those from the current EU 15, a government spokesperson indicated.