Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We need a system that offers the best of both worlds, in other words, the person must present and the transaction can proceed once he or she signs a stub at the counter. This requirement is in place for obvious security reasons to ensure the claimant is not outside the State and so forth. Further, the postmaster needs to be able to make an electronic funds transfer at the counter into a person's bank account or post office savings account. One of the key issues, however, is that An Post must want to get involved in providing enhanced levels of banking services. If it cannot present a model that generates savings, while also offering security and allowing the postmaster to process the transaction electronically, we will face a serious problem.