by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
‘Dole cheats be warned, we will catch you’ – that’s
the clear message from Social Welfare and Revenue
officers engaged in a massive anti-fraud crackdown
in Inishowen this week.
Government inspectors swooped on scores of shops and
businesses in Moville with more towns and villages
across the peninsula set to be targeted in a
comprehensive new multi-agency probe.
Acting on a number of tip-offs, Revenue and Social
Welfare officials entered hundreds of premises in
East Inishowen before quizzing staff and employers.
Inspectors from both government Departments are
co-operating in the fresh investigation in an effort
to snare unsuspecting casual workers claiming the
dole and employers who do not pay PRSI.
With surprise inspections carried out in
restaurants, takeaways, hair salons and market
stalls, agents also targeted pubs and shops to
search for illegally imported alcohol and
cigarettes.
Revenue staff similarly swooped on building projects
and rented accommodation in an attempt to catch out
tax dodgers.
A Department of Social Protection statement released
to the Inishowen Independent yesterday confirmed
that multiple operations are set to continue here
for the rest of the month with officials under
pressure to hit new government targets.
“The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social
welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day
work of the Department of Social Protection. Any
allegations of fraud or abuse of the social welfare
system are taken seriously by the Department and are
fully investigated.
“Criminal prosecutions will be taken against persons
who defraud the Social Welfare payments system and
employers who fail to carry out their statutory
obligations.
“The Department’s inspectors in the north Donegal
area are actively engaged on an ongoing basis in a
wide range of control activities, including employer
investigations. These investigations are sometimes
carried out in co-operation with inspectors of taxes
from the Revenue Commissioners and the National
Employment Rights Authority, to ensure PRSI
compliance and to deter social welfare
irregularities by the employees.” |
