Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
491. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the proactive actions that have been taken to inform recipients of payments made by bank transfer that due to the closure of a bank (details supplied) alternative bank details will need to be provided to ensure that there is no interruption to payments. [16666/22]
View answerMy Department has been working with Ulster Bank in order to assist customers with the smooth transitioning from Ulster Bank to another financial institution. My officials are also actively liaising with the Banking Payments Federation of Ireland to assist in the transitioning.
Internally, my Department has established a task team to manage the process. It is intended that all of the Department's Ulster Bank customers will be provided with information in order to assist them in the transition from Ulster Bank to another financial institution.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that all payment change requests are being monitored carefully to ensure they are being processed as quickly as possible. As the processing times may vary, it is important that customers impacted do not close their Ulster bank account until they receive their Department of Social Protection payment into their new bank account.
The fastest way for a customer to advise my Department of their new payment details is through the on-line portal on www.MyWelfare.ie. Many customers are advising the Department of their new payment details through this service and I would encourage the continued use this option.
