Thurles Information

Concerns Raised Over Social Welfare Overpayments and HSE Fraud Risk Controls.

Millions in Public Funds Lost Amid System Gaps.

Newly emerging data has highlighted significant concerns around public expenditure controls in Ireland, with substantial social welfare overpayments and weaknesses in fraud prevention systems within the Health Service Executive (HSE) drawing increased scrutiny.

Recent figures confirm that millions of euro in social welfare payments have been incorrectly issued, including cases where payments continued after recipients had died. At the same time, a separate audit has identified structural vulnerabilities in the HSE’s payroll systems, raising concerns about the potential for fraud to go undetected.

Social Welfare Overpayments: Scale and Causes.
Official figures show that social welfare overpayments remain a persistent issue, with tens of millions of euro identified annually. In 2025 alone, over €24.6 million in overpayments linked to suspected fraud were recorded across more than 5,000 cases.
However, fraud represents only a portion of the overall problem. The majority of overpayments arise from administrative or customer-related errors. In recent years, over 60% of overpayments were attributed to customer error, such as failing to report changes in income or personal circumstances.

A notable proportion of unrecovered funds relates to payments made after a recipient’s death. Audit data shows that, in certain schemes, up to 85% of written-off debts are linked to deceased claimants, reflecting delays in notification or system updates.
While public discussion has referenced figures as high as €25 million paid to deceased individuals, there is no single official statistic confirming that exact amount. Instead, available data indicates that losses linked to deceased recipients form part of broader overpayment totals accumulated across multiple categories and years.

Recovery Challenges and Financial Exposure.
Recovering overpaid funds remains a significant challenge for the State. As debts age, the likelihood of recovery declines sharply, with only a small percentage typically recouped after several years.
In some cases, recovery may be pursued through estates after death, but where no assets are available or administrative costs are too high, the State may be forced to write off the debt entirely.

The scale of outstanding overpayments; running into hundreds of millions cumulatively, illustrates the ongoing financial exposure facing public finances.

HSE Audit Highlights Fraud Control Weaknesses.

Separate to welfare concerns, a recent audit into HSE payroll systems has identified “significant risks of fraud” due to weaknesses in oversight and governance.

The HSE payroll system manages billions of euro annually, making it a high-risk environment.
Auditors found that:–

There is no comprehensive fraud risk assessment framework in place.
Roles and responsibilities for fraud prevention are not clearly defined.
Existing controls are often informal or inconsistently applied.

These gaps create conditions where fraudulent activity could occur without being promptly detected.

Governance and Accountability Under Pressure.
The findings point to broader governance challenges across public systems. In the case of social welfare, delays in data sharing, particularly around deaths or changes in eligibility, can lead to continued payments that are difficult to recover.
Within the HSE, the absence of structured risk management processes has raised concerns about accountability and oversight in one of the State’s largest financial operations.

Conclusion: Systemic Issues, Not Isolated Incidents
Taken together, the evidence suggests that these issues are not isolated but reflect systemic weaknesses in administrative processes and control systems.
While there is no indication of widespread organised fraud across either system, the combination of high transaction volumes, fragmented oversight, and delayed reporting creates an environment where errors, and potential abuses, can occur.

Strengthening data integration, improving real-time reporting, and implementing robust fraud risk frameworks are likely to be key priorities in addressing these vulnerabilities and protecting public funds going forward.

Ireland’s Child Care System Failing Vulnerable Children, Ombudsman Warns.

A major new report from the Ombudsman for Children’s Office has delivered a stark assessment of Ireland’s child care system, describing it as “broken” and failing to act in the best interests of vulnerable young people.

The report finds that, in some cases, children experience greater harm after entering State care. Serious concerns include instances of sexual grooming and assault, children going missing for days, and repeated moves between unregulated placements.

It also highlights situations where children have been held in secure care for extended periods, despite not committing any offences, due to a lack of suitable placements. In one case, two young siblings were placed in a facility with teenagers and a large staff presence because no foster home was available.

The Ombudsman, Dr Niall Muldoon, questioned how the State has reached a point where it cannot guarantee safe and stable care for highly vulnerable children.

The report identifies key systemic issues, including shortages of social workers, insufficient placement options, and ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining care staff. It also points to an increasing reliance on private providers and the growing use of unregulated accommodation.

Funding pressures remain a central concern. Despite a significant rise in child protection referrals over the past decade, the agency responsible, Tusla, is described as chronically under-resourced and receiving substantially less funding than required.

With nearly 6,000 children currently in care, the Ombudsman is calling for urgent reform. A forthcoming national consultation and the development of Ireland’s first National Alternative Care Plan are being framed as a critical opportunity to overhaul the system and better protect children’s rights.

Thurles Introduces “Stealth Humps” While Potholes Enjoy Protected Status.

Thurles’ Latest Innovation: Invisible Speed Bumps & The Pothole Preservation Society.

There are many great engineering feats across the world. The Pyramids. The Great Wall of China. The Hoover Dam. And now, proudly joining that list… The Invisible Night-Time Car-Destroying Humps of Liberty Square, Thurles car park.

Yes, nestled in the thriving town of Thurles; a place known for its culture, history, and increasingly, its ability to test a car’s suspension beyond factory specifications; two magnificent road humps have been installed in the new car park situated south of Liberty Square. Not just any humps. Extremely high humps.The kind that don’t slow traffic; they redefine it.

**Thurles’ Latest Innovation: Invisible Speed Bumps**.

Night Driving: A Thrilling Mystery Game.

Picture the scene. It’s dark. You’re driving home. All is calm. Then suddenly, BANG.
Yes you’ve just discovered one of Thurles’ newest attractions; “Guess Where the Hump Is.” No reflective paint. No triangular hazard markings. No “hazard teeth.” Not even a polite hint. Just raw, unfiltered suspense.
In fact, the lack of proper road markings is not even new to the area, concerns have previously been raised that road markings around Liberty Square are confusing and unsafe. But why stop at confusing when you can go full invisible ambush?

Vehicle Undercarriage Adjustment Programme, (V.U.A.P.).
Locals report that cars are now receiving what engineers are calling: “Unscheduled structural realignment.”
Others might call it: “The exhaust is now optional.”
Between these humps and existing road issues, Thurles is quietly becoming Ireland’s leading centre for :- Suspension stress testing; Shock absorber retirement schemes, and spontaneous undercarriage redesign.
And if you think that’s dramatic consider this: Tipperary has already seen over €50,000 paid out in compensation for pothole-related vehicle damage in recent years.

So clearly, the strategy is evolving; If potholes don’t finish the job, the humps will.
While Thurles boldly pioneers the construction of Everest-sized speed ramps, meanwhile, the Potholes Live On. Oh, the potholes are heritage sites now. Protected. Preserved. Possibly getting listed. Residents have long complained about roads in poor condition, with some routes described as “full of potholes” and “very poor” , and even “deplorable” in broader Tipperary reports.

But filling them? Ah no, sure that would be reckless. Why eliminate a pothole when you can simply install a hump nearby and let drivers experience both?

It’s about balance. Engineering Brilliance (Or Something Like It), so let’s admire the process:-

Build two extremely aggressive road humps ✔️
Forget the hazard markings ✔️
Leave them practically invisible at night ✔️
Place them where unsuspecting drivers will absolutely hit them ✔️

This is not a mistake. This is performance art. A bold statement on modern infrastructure. A physical metaphor for life in Thurles: “You won’t see the problem… until it hits you.”

Final Thought:- Add a scoreboard; Give out prizes for best airborne moment, and rebrand the car park as: “Liberty Square Adventure Zone”.

Gardaí Appeal For Information Following Serious Assault In Co Tipperary

An Garda Síochána has issued an appeal for information following a serious assault that occurred in Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on Saturday evening.

A woman in her 20s remains in a critical condition in hospital after sustaining significant injuries during the incident, which took place on the R494 at approximately 5.30pm.

Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that they are examining all available evidence. They are aware that video footage of the incident is circulating online and are urging members of the public not to share such material. Instead, any footage or information should be provided directly to investigating officers.

Authorities are particularly seeking information from individuals who were travelling on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, and who may have dash-cam or other recordings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station Tel: (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.

Death Of Linda Stapleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Sunday 22nd March 2026 of Mrs Linda Stapleton (née O’Shea), Lower Main Street, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Jim, her sister Nancy, brothers Teddy and Bobby and her nephew Tadhg; Mrs Stapleton passed away, while in the care of staff at Nenagh General Hospital, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Her passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; daughters Shelia and Julie, sons Bobby, Jimmy and David, her beloved grandchildren, sister Rosaleen (Cullen, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary), brother Sean (O’Shea, Carlow), sons-in-law Ruairi and Joe, daughters-in-law Mary, June and Jen, sister-in-law Pat, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Stapleton will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Castlequarter, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, (Eircode E41 VX81) on Tuesday afternoon March 24th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the nearby Church of the Sacred Heart, Pallas Street, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, on Wednesday afternoon, March 25th at 2:00pm to further repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in nearby St. Brigid’s cemetery, Upper Main Street, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Stapleton, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Stapleton family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Note Please: House strictly private.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.