asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has received a response from the Irish Banks' Standing Committee on the matter of the banks taking social welfare books as security for loans, which he referred to in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 17 November 1987; if so, the nature of the response; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Retention of Social Welfare Books.
16.
The Irish Banks' Standing Committee responded saying that the matter fell outside their scope and that it related to Allied Irish Banks only. They did, however, state that they understood that all bank branches have instructions that the withholding of social welfare payment books is not permitted and is contrary to bank policy.
When the matter was taken up with Allied Irish Banks, their Regional Manager confirmed that this is indeed the policy and that the particular incident was an isolated breach of bank procedures. Allied Irish Banks also stated this publicly and their statement was covered by the media at the time.