Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, is in the House. It is stated on page 48 of the programme for Government that the Government will actively encourage payments at post offices. Earlier today at a local post office in County Kerry a woman informed the post office clerk that she will no longer be availing of the post office's services as her jobseeker's allowance payment, up to now paid to her by cheque by the Department of Social Protection, will no longer be made to her by cheque as the Department is no longer issuing cheques. I was informed by the Kenmare social welfare office in County Kerry that the instruction not to issue any more cheques was issued in March 2016, leaving recipients no option but to have their payments paid into their bank accounts. This will result in the closure of post offices.

The Minister has up to now been helpful in terms of listening to what I have to say about payments to post offices. I am asking him to act in this matter. I know his heart is in the right place but will he act accordingly?

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