asked the Minister for Social Welfare the security provisions which have been taken to ensure that large amounts of money being brought to employment exchanges are protected; and if consideration has been given to automatic cash transfers to nominated bank accounts for recipients.
Written Answers. - Transport of Money.
42.
My Department, in consultation with the Garda, has taken a range of measures to safeguard cash deliveries to employment exchanges. For security reasons I do not propose to go into detail regarding the type of precautions taken but I can assure the Deputy that adequate security arrangements are in place and these are kept under constant review.
My Department operates a wide range of payment systems the majority of which do not involve direct cash payments. Unemployment payments are, however, the last area of the Department to be computerised and substantial progress is being made with the computerisation of those payments in the Dublin and Cork areas. It is the intention to extend the computerisation of unemployment payments nationwide over the next few years.
It is the policy of my Department to utilise the most modern facilities, in particular using the most up-to-date computerised systems. Cheques and electronic fund transfer are among the options being considered to reduce the amount of cash at employment exchanges when these offices have been fully computerised.
There are ongoing discussions with the banks and with An Post in connection with the introduction of new payment methods.
My Department's general strategy is to endeavour to offer social welfare clients a degree of choice in the method of payment. The Department's own market research and experience elsewhere suggests, however, that the take-up of new payment methods may be relatively low initially.