asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to allow An Post to become involved in banking activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - An Post — Banking Facilities.
3.
I am informed that the Minister for Communications, who is responsible for An Post, recently received proposals from that body for the expansion of the banking business of the Post Office Savings Bank. When these proposals are referred to me by the Minister for Communications I will give them careful consideration.
I hope I will receive a better response to this question. Is the Minister aware of the security problems being encountered by elderly people in particular, collecting their old age pensions and, in some cases, other benefits from post offices or sub-post offices? Would the Minister not consider it appropriate to have the general range of banking facilities available at sub-post offices throughout the country?
I am prepared to consider proposals of this kind. However, they would also have to be considered by the Central Bank which has general responsibility for the supervision of our banking system. While I am interested in what the Deputy has to say I really do not think I can go any further at this stage until the matter has been examined in more detail.
Would the Minister consider approving An Post implementing the GIRO system which has proved very effective in relation to the payment of accounts? Would he agree that An Post could play a very important role in assisting the general banking facilities in rural areas?
I am happy to consider that but I would have to consider it in the context of its impact on banking generally and the supervisory role of the Central Bank.