From this morning’s Government briefing on COVID-19 by the Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach

We are aware that there are over 460,000 persons aged over 70 who are in receipt of a pension. Those aged over 70 are required to cocoon, but we understand that many are attending Post Offices to collect their pension, pay utility bills etc.
There are alternatives available, such as the ability to nominate an Agent to collect their pension, which is now paid fortnightly.
It is also important to note that the payment will remain valid for collection in the post office for 90 days after the date of issue and therefore a number of payments may be collected at the same time where possible
Government has been working on a High Level Framework for Community Support during the current crisis. We are hopeful that there will be an opportunity here to use these supports/volunteers to assist pensioners who are not in position to avail of the temporary agent facility to access their cash.

BANK SERVICES
Bank of Ireland has also advised us of a new ‘Cocooning support’ service in place to help customers who are self-isolating to access cash.
Customers who are self-isolating or cocooning can nominate another person to make in-branch cash withdrawals and lodgments on their behalf.
The new facility has built-in safeguards such as limits on withdrawals and daily monitoring by Bank of Ireland’s dedicated Vulnerable Customer Unit.
Customers who wish to avail of this service are advised to complete the “Cocooning Support” form which is available on the Covid-19 Customer Hub on www.bankofireland.com.
If a person who is cocooning does not have access to the internet, their nominated person can print off this form and bring to the person self-isolating for them to fill out. The nominated person will then bring the form to the branch to avail of the service
You shouldn’t feel under any pressure to nominate anyone if you don’t want to. If you have any concerns contact ALONE, your local authority forum or your local Garda Station.