Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 March 2026
1221. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if he can outline the legislative basis that requires in-person attendance for the collection of jobseekers benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20688/26]
View answer1222. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied); if an exception can be made in relation to the requirement of in-person collection of jobseekers payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20689/26]
View answer1223. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding his Department's policy on the electronic transfer of social welfare payments; the way in which this can be accommodated in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20690/26]
View answer1224. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding any review of his Department's policy in relation to the electronic transfer of social welfare payments in place of in person attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1221, 1222, 1223 and 1224 together.
My Department provides two main payment options for its customers: payment in cash at post offices or payment directly into customer accounts by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
My Department may determine the payment method appropriate to a particular scheme or benefit. This is provided for under Article 192 of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payment and Control) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 142 of 2007). For the Jobseekers Schemes the appropriate payment method is cash payable at a Post Office.
There are circumstances where a person, including a person that is able to work but has medical issues that makes attending in person difficult, is unable to attend the post office for payment. Each such case is looked at individually and alternative arrangements or accommodations will be put in place if required.
Similar to attendance at a post office, my Department is very aware there are circumstances where a person is unable to attend in person at an Intreo Centre. Again, each such case is looked at individually and alternative arrangements or accommodations will be put in place if required. At any point in time there will be a number of people who are “excused” from in person signing, and/or also availing of an alternative payment method. Such requests are not unusual and my Department deals with them with empathy.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
