Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
562. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his discussions with the Department of Social Protection on halting the changeover from cash to electronic welfare payments until a new e-payment account for recipients has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11219/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group was published in January. It clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure the network remains relevant in the context of an inexorable shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions.
The Final Report represents an important step towards greater financial sustainability for the Post Office and the wider network. The Programme for Government commits to acting on the recommendations of the report including the introduction by An Post of an ePayment Account this year. In this connection, my Department is actively working with An Post and others, including the Department of Social Protection, to set out a clear implementation plan for all of the actions contained in the Final Report, including the ePayment account. Discussions are ongoing at official level and I anticipate being in a position to bring forward proposals to Government presently.
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 network of customer-focused post offices in the community.
