Vol. 506 No. 6
82 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when he notified the European Commission that the Government's legal implementation of EU directives on open contracting that delivery of social welfare cheques is a social and not a commercial service; if the EU Commission agrees with the Government's interpretation; and if the Government has satisfied itself that it has no outstanding legal liabilities on this matter. [16097/99]
The existing contract under which certain social welfare payments are paid at post offices will reach the end of its current term in December next. As a matter of clarification for the Deputy such payments are made through the use of payable orders or the social services card and do not involve cheques.
The Government have decided in principle to extend the term of the existing contract for an additional period of three years. As a prerequisite to giving effect to this decision, my Department is at present in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the legal issues to which this gives rise.
My Department has not issued to the EU Commission any notice of the kind referred to by the Deputy. Once the process of consultation with the Office of the Attorney General has been completed, my Department will issue to the EU Commission such notices or reports as may be required. Needless to say, the Government intends to fully comply with its obligations in EU law in all matters relating to this procurement.
