Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
236. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has engaged with and-or met with An Post to discuss the impact of the introduction of electronic payments and how An Post can possibly adapt its service offering to her Department in the future, given that it is the Government’s stated objective to protect the post office network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42147/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is a client of An Post for the delivery of cash services to welfare clients through the post office network. As part of contract governance of these client services, officials of the Department and representatives of An Post meet formally on a monthly basis to review service provision and address issues arising in respect of cash payment services. The contract also provides for a bi-annual meeting between officials at senior level. There is daily communication on an operational basis in relation to the provision of cash services
In advertising for the procurement of these services, the Department made clear its intention to progressively increase the level of electronic payments to welfare clients. The contract that was agreed with An Post references this strategy and An Post undertook to assist where necessary in that progression.
For my part, I have been a consistent supporter of An Post. The Department is the biggest client of the post office network, using it for both mail and cash services. The future business model of An Post is a matter for its Board and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the first instance. As such, my colleague Minister Alex White T.D. is currently undertaking a review on a cross Departmental basis to consider where Government may have a role in relation to new business potential for the post office network. Officials in my Department are engaged in that process.
