Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this important motion. When postmasters in my local area started to contact me to raise concerns about this matter, I thought I had missed something like an announcement of post office closures. I am conscious of the absolute devastation that would be caused in villages like Narraghmore and Ballitore in my close-knit community of south Kildare if there were to be losses from the post office network. I congratulate the Irish Postmasters' Union on its well-organised and effective campaign. As Deputy Connaughton said, it has made us all more aware. Sometimes one does not appreciate something until it has gone. If we do not look after our post office network, the potential will exist for decisions to be made that indirectly lead to the closure of post offices. By the time we realise that, it might be too late.

While this is a worthwhile debate, it must be recognised as part of the discussion that post offices are not closing. We need to focus on measures to ensure post offices do not close in the future. The previous Government presided over 197 post office closures over a four-year period from 2006 to 2010. Just 17 post offices have closed since 2010, which is a demonstration of the commitment of the Government and the Minister to the post office network. An Post also has a responsibility in this regard. At a time when banks are moving towards online activity and getting away from interfacing with customers, it is important for An Post not to follow the herd mentality by focusing on the online option. I suggest it should realise that its greatest strengths are its network throughout the country and its people. The postmasters in the various post offices have the experience to provide a niche service. This makes it possible for An Post to fight for new business. Plenty of possible areas of new business, such as motor tax, have been mentioned during this debate. The Government has a role to play. The public must play its part by using post office services. We have to recognise the need for openness and transparency in tendering for these things. The An Post network is working together with the Government on the formation of this new group. I welcome the effective work the Government social policy committee is doing.

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