The information requested by the Deputy is set out in respect of 2012 in tabular form below
|
Item
|
Expenditure 2012 (€)
|
Note
|
|
Postage
|
11.044m
|
Includes cost of posting cheque payments
|
|
Envelopes
|
0.419m
|
Includes envelopes for cheque payments
|
|
Printing/paper
|
1.006m
|
Not including cheque stationery
|
As a general strategy my Department favours the introduction of electronic channels to replace paper when communicating with customers where this is feasible and appropriate.
In determining the appropriate channel to communicate with customers, recognition must be taken of our customer profile, the nature of the communication and the security of the channel. Despite high levels of internet penetration in Ireland, studies indicate that the number of older people who do not use the internet for personal transactions is high. A significant number of our customers fall into this category and the Department adopts the general approach of interacting with these customers through more traditional and secure communication channels. The nature of some of my Department’s communications also means that email is not always suitable (e.g. cheque payments or control activity).
My Department uses electronic communications through its website and through individual communication; for example, it uses SMS texting to correspond with some customers. The range of electronic forms and information available to customers via our website (www.welfare.ie ) has also been increasing. As ICT options are further developed internally and externally, my Department will use electronic communications as much as possible and will keep the issue under review.
