John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the restrictions on the cashing of social welfare cheques in retail outlets; if he has plans to introduce regulations governing the cashing of social welfare cheques in retail outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11910/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department issues over 500,000 cheques every month and, as a general rule, there are no problems regarding the encashment of cheques. On rare occasions, it has happened that people have experienced difficulty in cashing their cheques because of inadequate identification. Any such problems are resolved on a case by case basis.

Cheques are but one of a range of payment methods offered to customers and account for about 10% of total payments issued by my Department. While precise statistics are not available, it is estimated that about one third of social welfare customers in receipt of cheque payments cash them at retail outlets and as I already stated this usually happens without any difficulties.

Cheques issued by my Department are drawn on the Bank of Ireland and may be cashed at any bank branch on production of necessary identification. In addition, my Department has an agreement with An Post whereby social welfare cheques may be cashed at any post office subject to satisfactory proof of identity.

The cashing of cheques by retail outlets is a matter between the customer and the retailer. It would not be appropriate for me to interfere in this relationship and so I have no plans to introduce regulations governing the cashing of social welfare cheques.

However, social welfare customers who experience any difficulties in cashing their cheques should bring the matter to the attention of my Department which will ensure that alternative payment arrangements are offered to them. These arrangements include payment at the customer's local post office or by direct payment into the customer's bank or building society account.