Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I bring to the attention of the House a mistake on the part of An Post in its operations and procedures as regards joint savings accounts, particularly a special joint status that operated heretofore. As the Cathaoirleach probably knows, savings accounts were operated on an agency basis by An Post on behalf of the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA. Owing to An Post's interpretation of procedures to safeguard individuals from being exploited in the case of joint accounts, there was a misinterpretation of rules. Since 6 June 2016, people who already had joint accounts or have included someone on his or her account - this often happens where, for example, someone has a mobility problem because of being elderly or ill and cannot get to a post office to withdraw money, so someone else's name is also put on the account to withdraw on his or her behalf - have found that An Post is refusing to pay out money unless both parties are present, citing a change in rules by the NTMA.

This matter was brought to my attention by an older man who was sick and found that, when he placed his wife on his account, she could not withdraw money. He was not able to go to the post office. I am glad to report that the issue has been resolved recently, as I understand that quite a number of people in a similar situation had also been affected. Following a tightening of procedures, the upshot is that people with joint accounts can appoint one person to withdraw money. This will be an ease for many people who are incapacitated. I am pleased that An Post has set out the procedures for its post offices in order that everyone is clear and the ordinary saver can be facilitated.