An Post Named As Preferred Bidder For Social Welfare Contract

Labour T.D. Michael McCarthy, has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Social Protection that An Post is the preferred bidder for the delivery of over-the-counter cash services to Department of Social Protection customers.

The Government's current contract with An Post expires at the end of 2013. The contract was put out to tender, along with a second for an e-payment system, where payments can be paid directly into customers' accounts in financial institutions.

The new contract will run for two years until December 2015, but may be extended.

Mr McCarthy said: "I welcome this announcement. An Post is a major partner with the Department of Social Protection, and delivers payment services to over one million customers who are getting payments such as pensions, child benefit, one parent family payments, and jobseekers payments. These arrangements play a significant role in ensuring that essential social welfare payments are accessible to people through the network of local post offices throughout the country.

"It was feared that the loss of the social welfare contract could sound the death knell for hundreds of post offices around the country.

"I am very conscious of the important role of the post office for communities throughout the length and breadth of this country, and the extent to which it is a one-stop-shop where people can pay bills and carry out a range of banking and other financial services. I welcome this announcement and the continuation of this vital service."

(CD/JP)