Media Statement

The Department of Health and Social Security can confirm that at a sitting of the Court of Summary Jurisdiction on the 5th March 2010, Miss Patricia Dunne, a civil servant working in the Department’s Social Security Division was sentenced to 150 hours community service, together with Court costs of £250, for failing to declare that she was living with her partner whilst claiming Family Income Supplement (FIS).

In June of last year the Department’s Special Investigation Unit received information that Miss Dunne’s partner was living with her. Following investigations, it was determined that there was sufficient evidence to refer the matter to the Attorney General’s Chambers and Miss Dunne was suspended from her duties.

Following her conviction the Department has commenced disciplinary action against Miss Dunne and as this is still ongoing no further comment can be made at this time.

Bill Henderson MHK, Political Member for Social Security Division, said

The Department takes the issue of benefit fraud very seriously, and while it is regrettable that a member of staff, who should have known better, has been convicted of benefit fraud, I hope this case will demonstrate to the public that there is no escape for benefit cheats in society today, and that no matter who you are if you are caught, you can expect the Department to take the strongest action against you

I would like to remind the public that the Department operates a free Benefit Fraud Line that they can use to inform us of any individual they think might be committing fraud, all information can be given in the strictest of confidence and the number is 08081624043