Prosecutions under the Social Welfare Act
Asked how many prosecutions arose under the 1976 Act, the Parliamentary Secretary said the Department refers alleged abuses to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who decides whether to prosecute.
Arising out of the reference by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1976, could he tell the House if there have been any prosecutions arising from that legislation and how many?
Comment on this
As the Deputy is aware, the Act came into operation in July last and most of these cases come to light some time after the alleged crimes have taken place. The question of prosecution is not a matter for the Department. The Department furnish the available information of alleged abuses to the appropriate authority, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and it is a matter for him whether or not to instigate proceedings.