Vol. 545 No. 1
271 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the position regarding the renewal of the contract with An Post for the distribution of social welfare payments for the period 2000 to 2002. [29688/01]
Following the Government's decision to extend my Department's contract with An Post to the end of 2002, two complaints were lodged with the EU Commission under the competition and procurement directives. My Department lodged a detailed and comprehensive response to these complaints with the Commission. The consideration of the complaints by the EU Commission has delayed the completion of a new contract between my Department and An Post. In the meantime, pending the outcome of the Commission's deliberations, An Post continues to provide a payment delivery service for my Department.
