# Welfare Cheats

All time

Committee raises stigmatisation concerns over the use of 'welfare cheats' term in department campaign

The Public Accounts Committee also raised concerns about the use of “fraud” in department material.

15.1k

Mar 28th 2018, 8:30 PM

'I won't be running a similar campaign' - Minister drops 'Welfare Cheats' approach, but says €500m fraud figure 'absolutely accurate'

“It’s difficult to say in hindsight whether I would have run such a campaign or not,” says Minister Regina Doherty.

19.9k

Dec 28th 2017, 6:15 AM

Greens co-leader in New Zealand resigns after admitting to welfare fraud

Metiria Turei revealed she wrongfully claimed welfare benefits to support her baby while studying for a law degree in the early 1990s.

14.1k

Aug 9th 2017, 2:50 PM

Change to Leo's campaign: Only those convicted of fraud over €5,000 to have names published

The names will be published on a quarterly basis on the Department of Social Protection’s website.

21.0k

Jul 5th 2017, 11:30 PM

Dept had concerns over calling people 'cheats' in controversial welfare ad campaign

Newly-released FOI documents show that the Department had considered changing the title to something less forceful.

26.4k

Jun 24th 2017, 12:05 AM

FactCheck: Did the government really save €500 million due to reported welfare fraud last year?

No. No it didn’t.

54.3k

Jun 18th 2017, 12:05 AM

Most people support Leo Varadkar's welfare fraud campaign - poll

Former social welfare inspector Bernadette Gorman called Varadkar’s latest policy a “solo run” and “hate campaign”.

20.5k

May 31st 2017, 6:01 AM

Reports of suspected social welfare fraud double after launch of advertising campaign

Leo Varadkar’s department made €41 million in overpayments due to customer fraud in 2016.

14.8k

May 5th 2017, 6:05 AM