Vol. 505 No. 7
91 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if the decision to classify social welfare payments through post offices as a social service rather than a financial service has been agreed by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14675/99]
The question of the application of EU directives in particular cases is a matter in the first instance to be determined by national Governments. Following consideration of the matter the Government has decided that the contract for the delivery of social welfare payments could be extended for three years on the basis that it did not constitute a financial service within the meaning of EU Directive 92/50/EEC.
