155. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost per individual transaction incurred by the State for each cash social welfare payment collected at the post office, as opposed to the cost per transaction incurred by State for each welfare payment paid electronically into a claimant's bank account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30642/15]

The estimated average total cost to the Department of Social Protection per individual transaction for social welfare payments made in cash at the Post Office is €1.70 at current volumes. The estimated average total cost to the Department per transaction in respect of social welfare payments direct to bank accounts is 26c.