Motorists across the country have encountered an unusual style of garda checkpoint since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
The latest example of this occurred on Friday, when officers in Co Limerick were joined by inspectors from the Department of Social Protection at a checkpoint on the M7.
The "multi-agency" operation also included wider support from Customs officials, inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority, as well as Limerick City Council.
Some 30 motorists were breathalysed at the stop, and 20 drivers were tested for drugs.
However it was the presence of social welfare inspectors that caught the eye, and it has been one of the more unique sights on Irish roads since the pandemic began.
Officials from the Department of Social Protection have frequently joined gardai on the country's roads, and while this practice does pre-date the pandemic, special powers now allow them to check for fraud and abuse of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
A Department spokesman told the Irish Mirror earlier this year: "As part of a number of initiatives to detect and prevent fraud and abuse of the social welfare system, the Department of Social Protection participates in Multi Agency Vehicle Checks (MAVCs) on an ongoing basis throughout the country.
"These MAVCs have been a feature of the Department’s control strategy for a number of years. In addition to the detection aspect they also provide an important deterrent effect.
"MAVCs are set up by An Garda Síochana and planned in consultation with other participating agencies; the Department, Revenue and Customs. They focus on vehicle tax evasion, road traffic or road safety irregularities, Revenue Customs irregularities or suspected social welfare fraud.
"The timing and location of these checks vary with checks carried out on different days of the week and for different durations.
"The main duty of Social Welfare Investigative staff who participate in these checkpoints is the detection and prevention of suspected fraud and abuse of the social welfare system, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and special powers are provided for in Social Welfare Legislation for this purpose
"The focus of such enquiries is generally related to individuals on their way to work including in commercial vehicles, haulage, taxi and the transport sectors. Where enquiries adduce that irregularities have occurred these are pursued by further investigation by the Inspectors. "
