Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 223, 227, 230 and 247 of 24 March 2015, if she will ensure that all pensioners contacted in the initial mailing will be informed that the original correspondence was misleading and that it is correctly pointed out that many local banks now limit manual cash withdrawals to particular days of the week; the implications for the sub post office network of the new An Post transaction account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13318/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The letters recently issued by my Department to recipients of State Pension Contributory and Non Contributory were part of a very small trial to determine the best means of communicating with people about their payment options. Customers were asked to consider whether they would like to consider receiving their payment directly into an account in a bank, building society, certain credit union accounts or An Post given the considerable benefits available. Customer engagement was entirely voluntary with no negative consequences for customers who chose not to respond or engage. All existing payment options remain in place as heretofore.

The implications of any new product being offered by An Post for its network or parts thereof is a matter for An Post and my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the first instance, bearing in mind that An Post must continue to meet the agreed service level standards with this Department for contracted services.

While this small trial was a once off exercise, and no further letters will be issued, the Department may consider further communications of this nature when An Post launches its new transaction account.