Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 250

Social welfare inspectors

Section 250 sets out the appointment, powers, and duties of social welfare inspectors.

• The Minister may appoint social welfare inspectors (and second Garda members with equivalent powers) to investigate benefit claims, PPS number applications, and compliance with the Act.
• Inspectors may enter premises without prior notice, examine and retain records, question individuals, and summon relevant persons for examination — obstruction or non-compliance is a criminal offence.
• Employers, occupiers, claimants, beneficiaries, landlords, and others must provide information, produce records (including employment and share-based remuneration records), and cooperate with inspectors on request.
• Inspectors may also stop vehicles (when accompanied by a Garda member or Customs officer), attend ports to verify identity and habitual residence, and investigate claims on behalf of other countries under reciprocal arrangements.