Postmasters hold protest in Dublin

The Irish Postmasters’ Union Executive staged a protest outside the Department of Social Protection today.

Members accused the Department of Social Protection of deliberately trying to ‘shut them down’.

The IPU said the Department is systematically transferring Post Office business to the private banks – and called on Minister Burton to immediately cease and reverse this policy.

They met with the caretaker Minister Joan Burton this week to highlight their frustration following a letter which the Department sent to casual and part-time workers, seeking their bank details for future payment. The letter made no reference to the Post Office, or that people could continue using the Post Office if they choose.

Postmasters say customers believed they had no choice and are being forced to the banks where they are faced with bank charges in order to collect their payments.

IPU Executive member and Midlands spokesperson Vincent Harney said Minister Burton had refused to withdraw the letters and to cease the transfer of Post Office business to the banks.

“Social Protection transactions account for 30% of all Post Office business and an estimated 50% including spin off transactions. Taking this work away from the Network will close Post Offices all across the country,' he claimed.