Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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50. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider allowing social welfare claimants the option of continuing to receive their payments into their bank account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5402/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department already allows social welfare claimants the option to receive their payments directly into their account in a financial institution, whether that account be in a bank, in An Post or in a credit union.

Before the introduction of temporary public health measures in March 2020, the default payment method for Jobseekers was cash collection at a post office. Nevertheless, one in four Jobseeker payments were still paid into customers’ bank accounts. These include, for example, those in receipt of a jobseeker payment when they reach the age of 62, who are given options as regards payment method.

When health restrictions were introduced in 2020, all Jobseekers were given the option of being paid into a bank account. This was an exceptional temporary measure to help reduce the spread of the virus and to ensure that people could comply with social distancing guidelines. This was the right approach to take at the time when we were faced with the worst of Covid-19 without having any vaccines and with only limited knowledge of the virus.

In line with the general easing of Covid-19 restrictions, I have asked my Department to revert to the normal payment rules for Jobseekers’ payments. I believe this is the right approach to take in terms of supporting the post office network, a key piece of the financial and social infrastructure of the country, in ensuring that, with the removal of restrictions, we return to the pre-pandemic position.

This change will initially apply to new claims. Over the coming months, my Department will work to extend the post office requirement to other jobseeker claims.

Retail has reopened nationally and is operating safely. The post office network has remained open throughout the pandemic and has processed approximately 45 million social welfare payments over the last two years. Post offices have been equipped with fixed sanitiser units so that customers can sanitise their hands and have clearly marked signs to assist with social distancing and staff operate behind transparent screens.

I acknowledge that some people who are immuno-compromised may want to avoid crowded settings. If a person is in this situation, the advice is to contact the nearest Department of Social Protection office. My officials there will offer help so that these people may still be able to receive their payment online in exceptional circumstances.