Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am putting this proposal to the Minister because the post office network covers the country and thus is easily accessible. Its staff are the only non-State employees who sign the Official Secrets Act. There is a mechanism for them to assist people in filling in forms and inputting data online. Not only could we save a lot of money, but the other great advantage is that there would be far fewer errors and less fraud involved. As mistakes could be identified more quickly, people would be paid sooner if they were seeking grants or other supports. The system would drive efficiency across the public service. Will the Minister or his officials engage directly with An Post and Mr. Bobby Kerr's working group to see how, in using a pilot scheme initially, this measure could be implemented? A labour-intensive, paper-based system is being used. Let us see if we could get this new system fully operational.

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