Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
73. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of postmasters in rural post offices regarding letters being sent from her Department to pensioners promoting ways of collecting pension payments, including through banks, other than collection at their local post office; and if she will meet the Irish Postmasters' Union to discuss those concerns. [14336/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concerns that have been raised over the past few weeks in relation to the letters that issued from my Department. These concerns have been the subject of much discussion in the Dáil and the Seanad. In addition the Department is currently responding to various representations on the issue.
The letters, which were issued to a small number of customers in receipt of State Pension Contributory and Non-Contributory, were a trial to determine the best means of communicating with people about their payment options. Customer engagement was entirely voluntary with no negative consequences for customers who chose not to respond or engage. Customers can ignore the letter and continue to be paid in the manner they are currently receiving their payment if they so wish. All existing payment options remain in place as heretofore.
Increasing the scale by which State payments are delivered directly into a client account is a key objective of a number of Government policies. These include the National Payments Plan, the Department’s Payment Strategy, the Public Sector Reform Plan, the e-Government Strategy and other government policies. These policies support improved customer service, reflect consumer trends and preferences and can deliver administrative savings.
The Government has consistently stated its commitment to maintaining the post office network as set out in the Programme for Government. It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer focussed network of post offices in the community. The Department’s support for An Post is equally apparent. We anticipate this year that we will pay over €50m to An Post under a contract for the cash payment services to welfare customers.
I appreciate the concerns that have been raised. I have previously met with the Irish Postmasters Union and arrangements can be made if they wish to meet with officials from the Department.
