Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have received a number of calls from concerned constituents in recent days regarding possible post office closures. In this regard I wholeheartedly welcome the commitment the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, made last night that unless there is a compelling case the Government does not want to see a single post office closed. This is a welcome assurance, as one cannot overstate the importance of the local post office particularly to a rural area, where it is often the heartbeat of the entire community.

The post office can be the sole point of contact for many, particularly elderly people, and it plays an important role in combatting rural isolation. As with many other services, the postal network is facing challenges. An Post has responded to these challenges and has moved with the times by securing deals with Aviva and AIB. I believe there is further potential to develop relationships with other financial institutions and I encourage An Post to explore possibilities and opportunities with credit unions.

In March 2013 Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications launched a report on promoting a sustainable future for the postal network. Considerable work went into this document which contains good suggestions and ideas. It provides a basis on which the post office network can develop to suit the needs of the 21st century. All the stakeholders now need to come together and formulate a sustainable plan for the future of post offices. Unfortunately there has been a considerable amount of scaremongering in the past few days about the future of post offices.

I met post office workers, postmistresses and postmasters outside here tonight and I welcome them here. I want the message to go out from here this evening that the post offices throughout the country and particularly those in Counties Cavan and Monaghan are open for business and will continue to be open for business.

I urge people to use their local post offices. By supporting their post office they are supporting their community.

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