The introduction of checkpoints to detect social welfare fraud was defended by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs.

Mr Ahern said concern had been expressed about the exercise of the new powers. "I can assure the House that these powers will continue to be used responsibly. This programme is not aimed at the ordinary citizen going about their business."

He added that over the past year, the Department had participated in checkpoints in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath. These had largely focused on commercial vehicles or those used in the course of employment or self-employment.

To date, as a result of follow-up by social welfare officers, a total of 118 social welfare claims had been disallowed, giving savings of £350,000. A number of road traffic, road transport and Customs offences also had been detected.

The Minister, who was speaking during the debate on the Social Welfare Bill, said the approach had been very effective in detecting serious levels of fraud and abuse. "For example, one checkpoint in February of last year detected no less than 10 per cent of fraud cases in the 100 vehicles checked. A number of cases involving people from Northern Ireland are being followed up through the normal liaison arrangements with the social security agency there."

The Fine Gael spokesman on social welfare, Mr Jim O'Keeffe, said that while his party was against fraud, the Government's proposals for enforcing social welfare laws were too draconian. "In an era of falling unemployment, a dangerously blunt instrument, which can be exercised in a random fashion, is being put in the hands of social welfare inspectors."