Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:58 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have arrangements made to have social welfare payments lodged to credit unions in view of the fact that this is the choice of the people.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payment Methods.
I am committed to providing social welfare customers with improved services. In this context, the range of payment methods and options which are available to my Department's customers have been considerably expanded and modernised in recent years. My aim is to provide, on a phased basis, a range of modern payment options which will be more convenient for our customers.
In late 1992 my Department and An Post concluded a new service agreement which provides a platform for the transfer of social welfare payment services from my Department's local offices to post offices. Social welfare customers can receive a significantly improved service at post offices where the more modern facilities have been introduced.
My Department and An Post have jointly developed a range of direct credit payment facilities for child benefit and certain pension customers. These may now choose to have their payments credited to a savings account with An Post.
This facility is being provided as an alternative to, rather than a replacement for, payment by books of orders which may be cashed at post offices.
In parallel, payment by direct credit to accounts at banks and certain other financial institutions which participate in the banks' electronic funds transfer and clearing system, is now available for child benefit customers, certain pensions customers and some unemployed customers of my Department. People in these categories who, for one reason or another, find this payment method is more suited to their personal needs and preferences may choose accordingly.
I am also looking at the possibility of extending our payment options so that Credit Unions would be included. However, there are a number of issues of a banking, technical and administrative nature that would need to be resolved before this option will be available to social welfare customers.
In line with my objective of providing improved services, the process of extending the range and flexibility of payment options available to social welfare customers generally will continue. As they come on stream, new technologies and money transmission facilities will be examined with a view to further expending the range of payment methods from which my Departments customers may choose according to personal preferences.