Tipp Postmasters criticise bank collections of social welfare

Tipperary post masters have hit out apparent attempts to steer social welfare recipients away from their local post office.

The Dáil last night voted down a motion which would have guaranteed the future of the post office network in Tipp and across the country.

The Dáil's public gallery was packed with members of the Irish Postmasters' Union as the vote was held.

Despite An Post securing the contract for social welfare the union claims local social welfare offices are asking people for their bank account details to have their payments lodged there.

Tipperary representative for the IPU Sean Martin says this is causing problems for people.