A Government crackdown on social welfare fraud saved the State €476m last year.
Figures show that more than 560,000 claims were reviewed in 2008.
The Department of Social & Family Affairs says its campaign to eradicate fraud led to the savings of €476m, which is up €29m on the previous year.
A number of new initiatives were introduced to tackle false claims last year, including more interviews with people receiving jobseeker benefits, and a review of single parents' earnings.
Minister for Social & Family Affairs Mary Hanafin says the clampdown will continue this year.
