Vol. 546 No. 3
64 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the provisions he has made to ensure that errors or unforeseen or emergency problems in relation to the introduction of euro welfare payments will be dealt with speedily and fairly. [31619/01]
303 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the format in respect of which he proposes to make social welfare payments in 2002, with particular reference to difficulties likely to be caused by the changeover to the euro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31926/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 303 together.
My Department's euro changeover project has been geared, from the outset, at ensuring a smooth transition to the euro, ensuring that payment continuity is maintained and also that our customers are fully aware of the change and the arrangements to effect the transition as they apply to them.
At this stage, the task of effecting the changeover is almost complete. Payments spanning the change-over date are already in the hands of all beneficiaries who receive their payments by means of payment order books of personalised payment orders, PPO. This accounts for over 600,000 people receiving weekly payments and all families receiving child benefit. In the case of the remaining beneficiaries, whose payments are made by cheque, by direct credit to bank accounts etc. or are drawn at post offices using their social services card comprehensive arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition to euro payments from the beginning of January. These include persons receiving disability benefit, unemployment payments and supplementary welfare allowance and account for some 270,000 beneficiaries.
The plans are for the conversion work in their case to be undertaken over the Christmas holiday period and, contingency arrangements to ensure full continuity of payments are in place to deal with any possible difficulties arising in the conversion process.
