Ned O'Keeffe
Question:58 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have arrangements made to have social welfare payments lodged to credit unions in view of the fact that this is the choice of the people.
Vol. 441 No. 8
58 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have arrangements made to have social welfare payments lodged to credit unions in view of the fact that this is the choice of the people.
I am committed to providing social welfare customers with improved services. In this context, the range of payment methods and options which are available to my Department's customers have been considerably expanded and modernised in recent years. My aim is to provide, on a phased basis, a range of modern payment options which will be more convenient for our customers.
In late 1992 my Department and An Post concluded a new service agreement which provides a platform for the transfer of social welfare payment services from my Department's local offices to post offices. Social welfare customers can receive a significantly improved service at post offices where the more modern facilities have been introduced.
My Department and An Post have jointly developed a range of direct credit payment facilities for child benefit and certain pension customers. These may now choose to have their payments credited to a savings account with An Post.
This facility is being provided as an alternative to, rather than a replacement for, payment by books of orders which may be cashed at post offices.