P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria agreed with An Post for the provision of electronic payment card machines in small rural post offices for the payment of social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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, the National Payments Implementation Program Advisory Group, under the aegis of the Department of An Taoiseach, monitors the growth in electronic payments, the reduction in cash transactions and any new payment mechanisms which come on the market. My Department is represented on this Group.

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.

Currently some 50% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their Post Office, bank or financial institution. The remaining customers are paid by paper based payment instruments — cheques, post drafts or personal payment order books.

The Department is implementing a three-year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire. The replacement of books with swipe cards will have no impact on customers paid at post offices. Customers will simply present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment.

The post office network, and the facilities available at any individual post office, is a matter for An Post.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the problems social welfare recipients are having receiving their payment through the post in the Donnycarney/Fairview area since 7 February 2008; and the steps that will be taken to ensure prompt delivery of social welfare payments in the future. [6524/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Social Welfare cheques are collected from a central area in my Department at agreed times daily by An Post for delivery to the Dublin Mail Centre for sorting and ongoing delivery to our customers. These cheques are given priority treatment. No complaints of delays of receipt of payments have been received in my Department in respect of the areas mentioned.

The post office network, and the operations of postal services, is a matter for An Post.