Reports of welfare fraud are up 2,500 per cent in the past 5 years.
One thousand and 44 cases were reported in 2008 but that number has jumped to 21,000 this year.
The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, said 'each and every report made by a member of the public is followed up'.
A survey of the anonymous reports showed that welfare payments were stopped or reduced in 16 per cent of cases.
The Irish Times reports that the huge increase in anonymous tip-offs highlights a cultural shift in the country.
8,350 reports were accusing people of claiming benefits while working.
