25/03/2004

Government steps up fight against fraud

The government has declared a "zero tolerance" to fraud and is pursuing a systematic approach to minimising the risk of fraud and its cost to Northern Ireland.

This is according to Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson who today highlighted the progress made so far in tackling fraud in the province.

"Since October 2002, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has successfully prosecuted 25 people for fraud-related offences and a further 22 cases are in the pipeline," the Minister said.

"Our programme has also been focused on developing a culture of anti-fraud consciousness both across the farming and rural communities and within DARD itself. We are focused on changing attitudes and mindsets towards fraud."

Mr Pearson confirmed that over 1,000 posters and approximately 28,000 leaflets will be distributed to locations and farms across Northern Ireland in its continuing efforts to thwart fraudsters.

"Our fraud ‘Hotline’ and ‘online’ reporting facilities also continue to be available to everyone. These facilities are confidential and we guarantee that any information we receive from the public will be treated in the strictest confidence," he added.

(MB)

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