Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
798. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason jobseekers are being encouraged to transfer their jobseeker's payment to their financial institution via electronic transfer, given the recent commitment to support the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Department of Social Protection, in line with the National Payments Plan, is seeking to reduce cheque usage in the economy; this is not only a matter of decreasing the significant costs associated with cheques in that Department and wider economy but also of enhancing customer convenience.
While such issues are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, I understand that this process will not reduce the number of existing cash payments through Post Offices under the current contract between the Department of Social Protection and An Post. Furthermore, I am advised that there is no contractual relationship between that Department and An Post in relation to cheque payments to Jobseeker customers.
I published the final report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group on 20 January 2016. This represents an important step towards greater financial sustainability for the Post Office and the wider network. My Department is actively working with An Post and others on the implementation of recommendations contained in the final report, central amongst them the basic payment account, motor tax and network renewal.
The report clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure that the network remains relevant in the context of an inexorable shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions.
Network renewal is one of the key actions emerging from the Final Report. A Post Office Network Renewal Group has been established, which is being independently Chaired by Mr. Bobby Kerr. The work of the Group will build upon An Post's existing five-year strategy for the network and will address the number and spatial distribution of branches, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. It is anticipated that this work will take no more than 6 months.
