Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

Ivan Yates

Question:

51 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will clarify the prospective situation in relation to arrangements for social welfare payments through post offices and sub-post offices; if Government policy will be to ensure the future existence of these sub-post offices particularly in the rural areas to ensure that Departmental social welfare and other businesses will be transmitted through sub-post offices; if the position in relation to tendering out these services will be clarified; and if the Government will make a statement in relation to the long-term future of, and its commitment to, sub-post offices as part of regional and rural development policy. [12508/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

An Post hold a contract from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for the payment of social welfare benefits through post offices and sub-post offices. The current contract expires on 31 December 1999 and it will be for the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs to determine the procedure to be followed in relation to the tendering process for the provision of a benefits payments system on behalf of his Department after that date.

The Government remains committed to the retention of the current post office network, and to its use for the delivery of the most comprehensive range possible of State services to all citizens.