asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated amount that his Department will pay to Telecom Éireann and An Post during 1987 for services rendered; if it is possible to make savings in these areas of expenditure; and if he will give the corresponding figures for the 1986 outturn.
Written Answers. - Telephone and Postal Costs.
118.
The estimated amounts which will be paid by my Department to Telecom Éireann and An Post for services rendered are £1,858,000 and £23,260,000 respectively in 1987. The corresponding figures for 1986 are £2,004,832 and £23,079,645.
Payments to Telecom Éireann cover the cost of the Department's telephones and other telecommunications services. The 1987 estimate for telephones etc. of £1,858,000 represents a decrease of £146,832 on the 1986 outturn which is due mainly to the installation of a new telecommunications (PABX) system in the Department.
Payments to An Post cover postal charges (£5,250,000) and agency costs (£18,010,000) incurred in the handling and encashment of pension and unemployment payment orders. In relation to postal expenditure, the nature of the services provided by the Department involves a consequential commitment in respect of this expenditure. My Department are, however, at all times conscious of the need to be cost effective and to achieve savings wherever possible. There is an ongoing review of the administration of services and schemes in the Department with a view to providing a more efficient and cost effective system and all aspects are taken into account including postal charges.