Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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545. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish Water refunds are being issued in cheques from a bank (details supplied) and local post offices will not facilitate changing a cheque from the bank; If a person tries to cash the cheque in the bank they are asked for a driving licence or passport and they will not accept a public services card as identification; and his plans to resolve same. [53069/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The Water Services Act 2017 (No. 29 of 2017), which was enacted on 17 November 2017, reflects the recommendations of the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, which was published in April 2017 and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Act provides for the discontinuance of domestic water charges for dwellings as set out in the Water Services Act 2014 and for the refund of domestic charges paid by customers.

Irish Water is endeavouring to refund its customers as efficiently and securely as possible. Cheques are the most effective method available to process the refunds, while also ensuring that the total amount paid is refunded directly to the account holder.

As the refund cheques are crossed ‘account payee only’ the cheques cannot be cashed and they must be lodged into the customer’s account. This is for security reasons to ensure that the right person is refunded the money.

Irish Water had extensive engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, the Irish League of Credit Unions and An Post regarding this approach and this contact is continuing as the utility processes almost one million cheques. Irish Water was also in contact with Age Action, Citizens Information, the NCBI and other representative organisations, particularly those who represent vulnerable customers for advice and support in this matter.

The means by which cheques can be lodged to accounts may vary between one bank and another. Irish Water has been advised that the means of identification accepted by banks must be in line with laws pertaining to money laundering and fraud. If customers are experiencing difficulties lodging their cheque, they should contact their bank or other financial institution such as Post Office or Credit Union in the first instance or call Irish Water on 1850 448 448 for advice.