Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 304: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to retain the services of An Post for the payment of social welfare entitlements to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23446/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current range of payment options offered by my Department include payment at post offices by means of a pension order book and by electronic or manual postdraft, issued to the customer's designated post office each week. Currently some 55% of customers have chosen to receive payment through their local post office. Payments are also made by cheque to the home address of the customer and direct payment to the customer's bank or building society account. Some 9% are paid by cheque through the postal system and 36% have chosen to receive direct electronic payment to their bank or building society account.

My objective is to ensure that a wide choice of payment options is available to customers of my Department and that service is continually improved by providing access to an increasing range of payment services. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own circumstances.

It is Government policy to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world class payments environment in Ireland. In this context, I have initiated a strategic review of my Department's payment requirements with the aim of identifying a payment solution for the future, which will be flexible, cost-effective and customer focused. I am aware that An Post is conscious of the need to introduce modern payment systems and my expectation is that An Post will respond to developments and product innovation in the money transmission market so that it can maintain its position as a leading player in this area of commercial activity and thus ensure a viable network of post offices serving the needs of local communities throughout the country.

An Post and my Department have been partners in the delivery of social welfare payments since the foundation of the State. I am confident that An Post and the network of post offices will continue to play a key role in the delivery of social welfare payments in the future.