Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many viable rural post offices have closed over the last number of years due to the fact that people have retired. The traditional post office is often family run and, unfortunately, people coming to retirement age want to get out of the business. Some villages may not have someone who comes forward with a suitable premises. Many post offices have doubled up as small businesses and grocery shops, which were very functional. There is a significant opportunity for An Post to open post-office contracts to local community groups which have experience in setting up small businesses, subject to them providing suitable premises. Post offices are central to communities and are pivotal to local social life.

I am sure alternative opportunities have had an impact. What has been the extent of the impact of modern technology, including e-mail and Facebook?

Small businesses have been affected by the downturn in the economy. Have such developments had a domino effect on post offices? Is less business coming the way of some of these firms? To what extent are these things having an impact on post offices?

The national lottery licence is up for tender at present. I am aware that An Post intends to seek that business again. It could experience many difficulties in having that contract renewed. If it is unsuccessful, what effect will the loss of the national lottery licence have? I understand the lottery business is worth approximately €3 million to An Post.

Is there an opportunity for an increased banking service to be allied to the post office savings business? How profitable is that business? Will it be developed in the future?

I would like to conclude by agreeing with the members of the committee who said that no stone should be left unturned when efforts are made to generate additional business to ensure our post offices can be retained.