Father and son living in Spain but had social welfare payments collected and sent to them from Sligo

A Coolaney woman was recently cleared of serious charges after it was revealed that she had drawn €21,000 in Jobseeker's Allowance payments for her father and son who had relocated to Spain during the Covid lockdown. Sligo Circuit Court determined that while she collected these payments, her actions were facilitated by the local post master, who had indicated it was permissible for the two men to designate a third party for the collection.

The court was informed that the father and son left Sligo for Spain while still drawing Irish welfare payments, which are intended for those residing and available for work in Ireland. This case highlights the complexities of welfare regulations during the pandemic and the reliance on local officials, like the post master, to interpret these rules. While the post master believed it to be acceptable practice, the situation raises questions about the responsibilities of all parties involved.

Read at Independent