Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:619 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the position regarding the new contract for the delivery of social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1841/00]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.
Following the Government's decision to extend the term of the Department's contract with An Post for the delivery of social welfare payments for an additional period of three years, the Department entered negotiations with An Post regarding the detailed business terms and conditions which would apply during the period of the extension.
Certain legal issues regarding the extension of the contract were raised with the EU Commission by a third party and were referred to the Department. Responses to the complaints, which raise a number of complex legal issues, have been sent to the Commission.
Negotiations on a new contract cannot be resumed until the issues raised with the Commission have been resolved. In the meantime, the Department and An Post have agreed that the company will continue to provide social welfare payment delivery services on an interim basis.