Longford District Court judge accepts jurisdiction in social welfare fraud case

A young man who is accused of playing a part in defrauding the social welfare system will have his case dealt with in Longford District Court following a jurisdiction hearing.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked to hear details of the charge against Alan Fahy of 16 Chestnut Close, Clonbalt Wood, Longford before accepting jurisdiction.

Mr Fahy is accused of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of an indictable offence on dates unknown between April 7, 2021 and April 20, 2021 at an unknown location within the State.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the alleged offence relates to the fraudulent use of an account to claim a social welfare payment.

Sgt Daly said it will be alleged that a third party, who was in difficult financial circumstances at the time, was approached by Mr Fahy.

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The Garda case will be that the defendant got account details and passed them on to set up a fraudulent social welfare claim.

Solicitor John Quinn, representing, said his client was 16 at the time. Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction.

A disclosure order was made, legal aid was granted and the matter was adjourned to December 5, next.

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