Blitz on Galway dole cheats

Social Welfare and Revenue inspectors are carrying out an undercover surveillance blitz on dole fraudsters and tax-dodgers in Galway City.

At the moment, investigators are concentrating on tradespeople visiting the likes of building and plumbing supply businesses.

Ownership details of vans are recorded from number plates and the owner then cross-checked against social welfare and tax databases to see if the person is involved in under-the-table ‘nixers’.

Meanwhile, Revenue officials are continuing to monitor businesses and traders in the city “on a daily basis” to ensure tax compliance.

“It’s a joint effort between both the authorities [Revenue and Social Welfare],” a source told the Galway City Tribune.

“If a tradesman is collecting materials, his van registration will be checked and then his name cross-checked. If he’s claiming the dole, or hasn’t paid taxes in a while, you can be sure he’ll be followed to see if he’s on a paying job.

“It’s not just tradesmen they’re watching, it’s anyone involved in the so-called black economy and particularly any job that could be done off the books,” he said.

Revenue confirmed they are “constantly monitoring” businesses around Galway City and County and that they have access to vehicle registration information.

“I can confirm activity in Galway City and County on a daily basis by Revenue officers. Tackling shadow economy activity is a key corporate priority for Revenue,” a spokesperson said.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.