asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has been consulted by An Post regarding the closure of small rural post offices and the impact of this on pensioners; and if he has any proposals on the way in which pensions could be collected, delivered or cashed in the event of large scale closures.
Written Answers. - Rural Post Offices Closure.
31.
The closure of a particular post office is a matter for An Post to decide having regard to the various factors such as local circumstances and ultimately commercial viability. While there is no formal requirement on the part of An Post to consult my Department in relation to such matters, my Department is kept informed of any proposals in relation to post office services that would affect the payment of social welfare payments. I have not been informed of any proposals by An Post for large scale closures of post offices.
An Post have been made aware of the impact that such closures can have on social welfare clients. This factor is taken into account when the question of closing an individual post office is being considered. Where small rural and urban post offices have closed in recent years the pensioners affected were advised and payment of their pensions was transferred to other post offices nominated by the pensioners. An Post through their countrywide network of post offices, provide a comprehensive cash payment service to social welfare clients. The network of offices forms an important part of the overall social welfare payment structure. I am always concerned to ensure that all claimants have convenient and easy to use methods for cashing their entitlements. For this reason, I am actively pursuing ways of introducing as wide a degree of flexibility as I can into the various payment methods that my Department use.
With the introduction of computerised facilities in many areas of my Department, it will be possible to develop more flexible payment methods for social welfare claimants. The possibility of providing pensioners with the option of having their pensions paid directly into post office or bank accounts will be considered in this context.