AQW 28840/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 17/06/2025
Answered On Date: 02/07/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to outline if those found guilty of participation in violent disorder in early June against the Community in Ballymena, Portadown and other areas will be investigated by the Minister’s benefit fraud team, in order to ensure that any person who has been found guilty of taking part in such disorder has not claimed they have limited capacity for work.

Answer:

My Department will consider information provided by law enforcement agencies and will initiate benefit fraud investigations on those found guilty of participation in the recent violent disorder across Northern Ireland, where there is credible evidence suggesting that those individuals have been fraudulently claiming benefits.

If an individual is suspected of benefit fraud, reports can be made in confidence online via nidirect or by contacting the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 975 6050.