Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had any discussions with An Post with a view to ensuring the continuation of the full or enhanced scale of services throughout the country at local and regional level, the utilising of the existing network of post offices and sub-post offices, the continuation of next day delivery services in all areas, urban and rural and the identification of suitable complimentary services to those already undertaken which might in turn be economically beneficial to the service providers and helpful in the present economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2823/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide customer focused network of post offices.

The Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011 guarantees the ongoing provision of a universal postal service, the essential element of which is the collection and delivery of mail to every address in the State on every working day. Under this Act, An Post is designated as the universal service provider.

My officials and I meet regularly with An Post management to discuss issues of importance to An Post. However, decisions regarding new products and services and the role of developing commercial strategies for the post office network is a matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.