New measures introduced to streamline the collection of pensions have raised the ire of Fine Gael Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, who says the system "shows up Minister Cullen's lack of understanding of the needs of this generation".

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.

The new measures include a replacement of the pension book with a swipe card and a deadline for the collection of pensions.

Senator Healy-Eames was approached by a number of older people in relation to the new social welfare swipe card.

The Oranmore-based Senator said one elderly couple she met were critical of the new regulations due to their 'inflexibility', and were critical of the Minister for Social Welfare, Martin Cullen.

"The new swipe card method is another sign of this FF led government marginalising old age pensioners who would prefer to collect their payments in cash. It takes away their choice and their little bit of dignity," she said.

"Many old people choose to budget for winter, for fuel costs, I have learnt, by not collecting their pension during summer months, so they can save for the winter," she said, adding that the high risk of fuel poverty for older people meant that this method of budgeting was useful.

"I find it upsetting to see older people so bothered about something that need not be introduced. While a swipe card method may suit some social welfare recipients, it certainly doesn't appear to suit a large majority of old age pensioners. Minister Cullen can go ahead with the swipe card if he wants but he must also allow the cash payment system stand," concluded the Fine Gael senator.

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Welfare said there had been a lot of "scaremongering" in relation to the new system.

She said the Department wished to clarify that the deadline for people to collect their pensions is 60 days, and not 20 as reported elsewhere. Also, those who are too ill or infirm to collect the pension themselves can contact the Department to make alternative arrangements.

She said pensioners could still choose to be paid through Electronic Funds Transfer, directly into their bank account. The new system is to be phased in over the coming months, and only those whose pension books are out of date will initially receive a swipe card.

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