Clare Fm - Podcasts

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced that An Post has been awarded the new Cash Payment Services contract, securing over-the-counter welfare payments at post offices until at least 2028. Around 30% of social protection payments are still made in cash, with An Post expected to handle roughly 25 million payments this year. But after months of concern about post office closures, particularly in rural areas, is this contract the lifeline post offices were hoping for, or just a short-term fix? Alan Morrissey was chatting with Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan, spokesperson for the Independent Postmasters Union about this on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) An Post