Over 28,000 people reported allegations of social welfare fraud last year. That is up from almost 17,000 is 2011.

The Department of Social Protection saved €669 million through a clamp-down on social welfare fraud last year exceeding the target set by over €20 million.

Over 1 million reviews of social welfare claims were carried out. Most of the savings came from reviews of One Parent Family Payments, Pensions, Jobseekers, Illness, and Child Benefit payments.

The Department has set a new target of €710 million in savings for this year.

Welfare 'safety net' more important than ever

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said "I have always championed the welfare system as a safety net for those who need it most, and that safety net is more important than ever in the current economic climate".

"However, it's precisely because the State's limited resources should go to those most in need that we need to prevent fraud and abuse in the system" she added.

The savings refer to money that would have been paid out by the Department but for the control measures. They include all activities the Department undertakes to ensure people are receiving the correct amount that they are entitled to.

They range from mail shots where social welfare recipients confirm eligibility conditions continue to be met, direct reviews of entitlement by inspectors and medical re-certification or examination. Fraud and abuse investigations are also carried out by the Special Investigation Unit of the Department.