Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

14 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the present position regarding recipients who normally receive social welfare payments by post, in view of the current postal dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The position at present is that the vast majority of social welfare clients are receiving their payment with little or no delay.

As I told this House on Wednesday last in response to a Private Notice Question in the matter, pensioners and other persons paid at post offices have not been affected by the disruption of postal services. I am glad to say that this situation continues to obtain.

However, the position of some clients who receive payment cheques through the post has required special attention. This category includes recipients of disability benefit, injury benefit, disablement benefit, maternity benefit and death grants. Postal deliveries of cheques are being made throughout the country with minimal delays. In the case of clients residing in the Dublin 1 and Dublin 2 postal districts my Department is operating a special cheque-collection centre for claimants in Oisin House, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Clients in these districts who are due a cheque payment can collect it or can authorise someone to do so on their behalf. Notice of this arrangement has been advertised in the national newspapers.

The majority of recipients of unemployment payments have not been affected. Special arrangements had to be made for some of those who are paid at post offices and also for those paid by cheque, but in the main delay in making payment has not been a problem.

Despite these special measures and the efforts of my Department's staff who have shown great commitment to ensuring that payments are made, it is inevitable that the current disruption to postal services will give rise to some cases of delay. To enable clients who do not receive their cheque when due to report the matter without cost, a special FREE-FONE Line has been opened by my Department. The number is 1 800 222 777 and the service is available on each working day from 9.15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Finally, I would like to point out there is no change in the position that the public should not post any letters or documents to any of my Department's Offices in Dublin until further notice. Claim forms, medical certificates, pension books or both documents should be handed in at any of the Department's local offices in Dublin or at the public office in Oisin House (Pearse Street), Gandon House (Amiens Street) or Phibsboro Tower.