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Dole fraud, VRT crackdown
12.03.12
Hundreds of motorists
quizzed as campaign is stepped up
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen
Independent
REVENUE and social welfare inspectors were out in
force in Buncrana last week as the latest crackdown
on Vehicle Registration Tax, dole fraud and green
diesel got underway in Inishowen.
Customs officials joined forces with inspectors from
the Department of Social Protection and the Gardai
on Tuesday morning as hundreds of motorists were
quizzed on the main Derry to Buncrana road at
Lisfannon.
Scores of Northern-registered vehicles were pulled
into the vacant McLaughlin-Holmes filling station,
where drivers were questioned about VRT and social
welfare fraud.
A number of vehicles were also dipped for green
diesel at the multi-agency checkpoint.
The blitz comes just days after a number of high
profile local courts cases.
A spokesperson for the Department of Social
Protection confirmed that the latest Inishowen
operation involving its officials was part of a
‘special investigation’. |
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In a statement released
to the Inishowen Independent, the Department
revealed that dole fraud remains a significant issue
here.
“The main duty of social welfare investigative staff
who participate in these checkpoints is the
detection and prevention of fraud and abuse of the
social welfare system. The focus of such enquiries
is related to individuals driving commercial
vehicles, haulage, taxi and transport sectors. Where
enquiries indicate that irregularities have occurred
these are pursued by further investigation.”
Revenue also confirmed that Customs officers were
carrying out ‘routine activities’ to "ensure that
VRT has been paid and that marked mineral oil is not
being used inappropriately".
Meanwhile, an Irish company is pursuing a case
against VRT at the High Court. It claims that the
controversial motor tax discriminates in favour of
the domestic car trade and against importers by
allegedly imposing artificially high values on
imported used cars. |
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