The computer system in the Department of Social Affairs is being replaced to increase efficiency, Séamus Brennan told the Dáil.
The Minister said the requirements for the new system had been specified and the first phase was scheduled to go live early next year.
"The new overpayments and debt management system will significantly improve in the identification of ways to prevent overpayments occurring and of methods to increase the levels of debts recovered," he added.
Mr Brennan was speaking during the resumed debate on a Fine Gael-Labour Private Members' motion critical of Government waste. A Government amendment endorsing its policies was passed by the House.
He said the new system would facilitate the recording of overpayments by the department's frontline staff; allow tracking of repayments; produce regular management reports; and deliver a new debt management strategy. "Armed with this strategy, I am confident that the Department of Social Affairs will deliver increased savings and enhanced anti-fraud measures so that savings can be targeted on those who genuinely need welfare supports," he added.
Catherine Murphy (Independent, Kildare North) said daily commuters dealing with high childcare costs and other problems knew that the waste of public money was a cost to them. Ministers lacked a sense of outrage about what was going on, she said.
