Jail sentences for benefit fraud
Mitchell asked how many claimants had been jailed and whether they were pursued differently from other fraudsters. The Minister said jail sentences had been imposed and prosecutions were regularly brought, but asked that the specific number be sought separately.
Could the Minister say how many people who fraudulently claimed unemployment assistance or benefit have been jailed and if there is any difference between his policy in pursuing fraud within this category of social welfare beneficiaries and others?
Comment on this
The Deputy would have to table a separate question in regard to the number of people who have actually been jailed. It did not form part of this question.
Comment on this
No. Jail sentences have been passed and possibly were subsequently appealed. The Deputy would have to table a separate question in that regard. I would have to say that the number of prosecutions each week now is considerable. Every week there are regular prosecutions of a fair number of people.