The range of payment options offered by my Department includes payment at a local post office via electronic information transfer (EIT), through a bank, building society or certain credit unions via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or payment by cheque.
At present, An Post can direct pension and child benefit payments transferred via EFT into An Post State Savings Accounts. Consideration is being given to extending this facility to customers in receipt of certain other scheme payments. An Post also currently provides front office services for AIB and National Irish Bank. In such cases although the account is not held by the post office, social welfare and other customers can access their accounts and manage their payments through the network of post offices around the country.
The current contract with An Post for the payment of welfare customers at Post Offices expires on the 31st December 2013. Public sector contracts for the supply of products and services are generally awarded following a publicly advertised, competitive tendering process. In line with public procurement guidelines and in the interests of economy, the Department is required to seek tenders for the delivery of social welfare payments before the current contract with An Post expires in 2013.
In addition, the award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to various EU Directives. This ensures that the taxpayer receives value for money and that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward for efficient, effective and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation.
While it will of course be open to An Post to bid for the new contract, the development of the An Post network and services is a matter for An Post to consider in consultation with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.