Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton is hoping to save €625m next year by clamping down on social welfare fraud.
Minister Burton has published a new detailed fraud control plan which places greater emphasis on cooperation between government agencies in tracking down people who abuse the welfare system.
New measures include an increase in social welfare inspectors on the ground, targeting sectors where fraud is more likely to occur and greater liaison with employers.
An increase in penalties for people working in the black economy will also be introduced.