Government’s new move against Post Offices ‘shrewd and two-faced’ says Pringle

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Updated: 22nd March 2016

Thomas Pringle said he could not be sure if Mick Wallace was a serving TD when he made a settlement for a VAT tax dodge

In a letter from Irish Postmasters’ Union to Independent TD Thomas Pringle it has been revealed that the Department of Social Protection has renewed its attempt to encourage Jobseekers to use financial institutions over Post Offices.

A letter was sent to recipients of Jobseekers who work Casually, Part Time and are paid social welfare via cheque and was accompanied with a form for recipients to complete and return to start the process of Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
Speaking on the issue Deputy Pringle described the move as ‘shrewd and two-faced and bypasses two Working Groups already in place between An Post, the IPU and the Government.’
Pringle continues, ‘after the Department of Social Protection’s last attempt to change payment methods it was understood that payment methods would be discussed and agreed through the Working Group forum but instead the Government has bypassed this and undermined the progress made so far.’
‘While social welfare recipients are entitled to choice, a Government Department should not actively seek or encourage the transfer of Post Office business to commercial banks,’ says Pringle.
‘It’s questionable why this is happening again despite all the work done on behalf of the Irish Postmasters’ Union and suggests an element of Ministers exploiting the fact that there’s ultimately no accountability while the Government is in a Caretaker capacity. It’s an example of Fine Gael’s true colours that actions like this continue to be carried out and shows the Party’s lack of commitment to the Working Group attended by An Post and the IPU,’ concludes Pringle.
ENDS

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