€206 million saved by Social Affairs

The Department of Social and Family Affairs has saved €206 million in anti-fraud measures during the first six months of this year. This is an increase of €30 million on the last six months of 2004. Savings in unemployment payments realised the most at almost €66 million; €52 million in one-parent family payments; €36 million in illness payments.

In relation to PRSI payments 87 per cent of employers inspected were compliant. Out of 231 cases forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's Office, 1168 cases were finalised in court – three served prison sentences, ten received suspended sentences, 84 were fined and 84 received probation. The Department of Socials and Family Affairs have over 600 staff to control the abuse and fraud of the the social welfare system.