You're right Conan, however some years ago when some Dept Social Welfare staff went after some suspected abuse of the system they were verbally attacked by some politicians. Even in my day as a low grade civil servant when I went after what I thought was abuse of the system I was continuously steered away from confrontation where some managers hoped some hints would stop the fraudulent claims. Interesting that a custodial sentence of 4.5 years was imposed with one year suspended. But, the tough message was sent out by the judge. Circa €530,000.00 involved. Add in cost of free legal aid.
Unrelated but relevant I'm thinking of two solicitors being sentenced to prison of about 1.5 years for using PRSI numbers of some down-and-outs. One of the solicitors didn't serve even one day in jail. Compared to my first paragraph this appears ultra lenient.
On the same newspaper yesterday, I read of a sports person allegedly scamming people with a story of a "friendly vulture fund" and again circa €500,000.00 at least was involved. I understand this case is not yet fully investigated.
Sooner or later some people will collate amounts of scams versus prison sentences (or no prison sentences) and I think there is much more to come.