Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
196. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make a general inquiry regarding the fact that her Department are now directing recipients to the banks with no mention of the post offices; and if this is in compliance with competition laws. [10807/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy has not referred to any particular scheme in her question but I assume that she is referring to recent communication from Departmental officials to job-seeking clients aged 62 years and older. Up until Budget 2014, older jobseekers were required, as part of their entitlement to a Jobseeker’s payment, to comply with the Department’s activation measures when requested to so do, as is the case with other jobseekers. Legislation provides that non-compliance with such activation measures, without good cause, would give rise to the imposition of penalties in the form of payment reductions.
Revised arrangements were announced as part of Budget 2014 to apply to older persons who seek the support of jobseekers schemes in advance of reaching pension age. The measures provide for these clients to continue to avail of Departmental supports on a voluntary basis should they wish to return to work, training or education. In addition, provision is made for these clients to receive their payments directly into an account in a financial institution if they so wish. Some communication has been received by some older clients from local/Intreo offices of the Department advising them of these changes.
It is important to note, however, that the letter neither prevents nor discourages these clients from receiving their payments in the post office but rather it simply informs them of the option to change their payment method.
In the main, the majority of jobseeker payments are paid through the post-offices. If and when An Post can provide an electronic payment channel, the Department will happily facilitate clients’ instructions to pay funds directly into such an account.
