Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
80. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures he will put in place to ensure the survival of the post office network, including the roll-out of further social protection services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36021/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for An Post and the Post Office network rests with my colleagues the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources and the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and Gaeltacht.
My department makes a significant contribution to An Post through the current contract for cash services. In 2015 there were over 38 million social welfare transactions in An Post at a cost of €54 million to my department.
The Programme for Government commits to actively encourage payment at post offices.
Department of Social Protection staff have been advised that, when dealing with customers who are making new claims or seeking to change their payment arrangements, customers can choose between payment at the post office or by electronic funds transfer. Customer wishes should be facilitated where they choose to receive their social welfare payment at their local post office.
There is no change to schemes where customer choice is not currently available for control or other specified purpose.
My department, along with the department of Public Expenditure and Reform, will work closely with the above departments as appropriate and necessary in considering the recommendations of the Post Office Network Business Development Group or as it is known, the Kerr Report.
A key recommendation of the Kerr Report is the development by An Post of a basic bank account facility. I welcome this initiative by An Post and can assure the Deputy that should customers choose to have their social welfare payments made directly into a future An Post bank account my department will facilitate this request in the same manner as any customer request to have payments made directly to an account in any financial institution.
