The Department of Social Protection has renewed its contract with An Post to provide pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments at Post Offices in local communities.
Over 25 million cash payments totalling over €7 billion were paid to social welfare recipients through the Post Office network last year and it is expected that this level of payment will continue this year also.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said he was pleased with the renewal of the An Post contract and the continued relationship between the Department and An Post to provide social welfare cash payments for the year ahead.
“This is an important service for our customers, many of whom value the opportunity to receive their payments locally and in cash,” he added.
Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of An Post Retail, said the announcement of this renewal will be welcomed by Postmasters and customers alike.
“It reinforces An Post’s commitment to our communities and the vital role we play in their daily lives,” she said.
She noted that cash payments to the Department of Social Welfare’s clients including pension payments, disability allowances and child benefit, are a significant part of the business of Post Offices.
“This is a clear example of the value of the Post Office network in maintaining social solidarity and delivering government services and in person “face to face” access to essential services . The importance of our role in maintaining the distribution and supply of cash in an efficient and seamless way to local communities and SMEs cannot be overstated,” she added.
