Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government has listened carefully to all the points made by Members on all sides of the House during this important debate on the future sustainability of the post office network. It is clear to everyone that the passion with which all speakers have addressed the debate demonstrates the widespread regard, trust and loyalty for the nationwide network of post offices.

Yesterday, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, expressed his disappointment at the recent headlines asserting that 557 post offices were to close and at the impression that was circulating that somewhere, somehow, the Government had announced a plan to shut down post offices. I reiterate that there is no such Government plan. The headlines have emanated from a consultancy report for the IPU that presumes the loss of the social welfare contract and calculates that such a loss would, in the worst case, lead to the closure of a significant number of post offices.

The fact of the matter is that the post office network is a unique social, cultural and financial institution that makes a vital contribution to the economy. The professionalism of the postmasters, the unions and the board and management of An Post has served the network well through the years and there is no reason this should not continue to be the case in the years ahead.

The Minister and I have listened carefully to the various points and issues raised by Deputies over the two nights of this debate. It has highlighted the wide range of issues for consideration by all stakeholders when taking account of the future sustainability of the network. Post offices have moved with the times in recent years and now the over-the-counter business offers many more services than were offered previously, including foreign exchange, passport services, bank agency services and tax payment services. This demonstrates the commercial acumen and adaptability of An Post as a company and its staff, postmasters and unions to seek out, win and deliver on new business opportunities to meet customer demands.

As a further fillip to the quest for new business opportunities for the post office network, the Government has decided on a whole-of-government approach, encompassing central and local government and the wider public service, with an eye to the nature and extent of services that can be provided to the public by using the post office network as a front office of government, as it were. This will afford an opportunity for a wide-ranging review of the services that could be delivered by the post office network and perhaps yield synergies among the various agencies. Deputies have queried whether there is a timeline for the Cabinet sub-committee to conclude its work. The Minister expects this work to be concluded inside six months.

It is a modern day reality that technological change, consumer choice and expectations and the actions of An Post's competitors will give rise to further significant challenges in the coming years. The road ahead will not necessarily be easy, but nothing will be gained by standing still. The Government's priority is for An Post to be in a position to compete for and win contracts for payment services independent of the technology platform.

We welcome this opportunity for a debate on the future sustainability of the post office network, as it has provided a useful forum for many views to be aired. As the debate draws to a conclusion, it is hoped that the announcement regarding the whole-of-government consideration in respect of the use of the post office network as a front office of government will allay the many concerns expressed and pave the way for an informed approach and new developments in the years ahead.

Notwithstanding the inevitable further challenges that lie ahead, I once again convey the support of the Government for the post office network. I am pleased we have managed to arrest the decline in post office closures. According to the same Grant Thornton report, 197 post offices closed between 2006 and 2010. Since the end of 2010, only 17 offices have closed. This is a fact.

I am pleased that last year An Post was successful in winning the social welfare tender. I also welcome the decision of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to appoint Mr. Christoph Mueller as chairman of An Post. Mr. Mueller's business background is relevant to the business challenges confronting An Post. We look forward to the conclusion of the social policy Cabinet sub-committee in respect of An Post in the 21st century. On behalf of the Government, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, is committed to working with the IPU to safeguard and develop the post office network.

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