Sir, - Congratulations to Jane Suiter and Marie O'Halloran for their exposure of why welfare fraud is not being prevented. The quotes are from leaders of representative bodies and clearly show more concern with self interest than doing anything.
The Minister responsible for resolving fraud looks to stopping collusion between employers and fraudsters - although the main problem highlighted is false addresses and individual claims. He also criticises cheap skate employers, when he was elected and empowered to sort it out ... may I liken this to the Minister for Justice blaming criminals for crime?
Meantime, Fianna Fail scores points about how we measure the level of unemployment. The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed says there are as many fraudsters amongst employers as claimants and that "most unemployed people were not involved [in fraud". That's OK, then! Mr de Rossa also says that most social welfare recipients are genuine. Good!
Can I state some facts? Seventy per cent genuine claims do not justify thirty per cent fraud. As a taxpayer, and responsible for Irish operations of a company employing 230 taxpaying employees, I would like to know why current legislation prevents questioning of fraudsters paid out of our tax. Can we not question criminals?
Those responsible for Ireland's biggest problem should spend less time justifying the 70 per cent genuine recipients, and more on preventing fraud. Clearly, stepping up existing measures is not sufficient. The scale of the problem demands a fresh approach and legislation to make it work.
Mr Quinn, if you can reduce the tax burden by 30 per cent by ensuring that the Minister for Social Welfare, his department and its payment agents eradicate fraud throughout Ireland, you won't have any problems with my vote. - Yours, etc.,
Carne,
Co Wexford.