Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
172. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the consultation or discussion that took place with postmasters in advance of the decision to issue new social welfare application forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25935/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to recognise the general societal trend toward electronic payments the Department has been changing some of its application forms and I am aware of concerns that have been raised in regard to some of the amended forms.
I want to emphasise that the amendments do not remove the option to be paid at the post office. This option will remain on the forms. Therefore, customers are free to opt to receive their payment at the post office if they wish. I also want to emphasise that the Department continuously reviews its forms to ensure that they are amenable and relevant to all customers. In order to ensure that the Department’s forms present payment options equally, I have asked the Department to update them to ensure that a neutral wording in relation to payment options is provided and to also ensure that one payment option is not favoured over another.
These amendments will be carried out over the next number of weeks. My officials have already commenced preparatory work on this process and I expect this work to be completed in a timely manner. However, given that the Department’s forms are integrated into its automated systems the work must be done carefully and properly to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers. I do not wish to cause delays to our customers through loss of our automated systems due to improperly considered changes or modifications.
The Department does not consult with postmasters in respect of the design of social welfare application forms.
