Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for attending our meeting. I have a number of questions to raise. Many Members around the country will have heard from their local postmasters about the need for additional supports, so this funding commitment is welcome. When will it kick in? I am conscious that the IPU asked for €12 million. How does that compare? What is the Department's assessment? In what way will the fund be allocated? The Minister of State mentioned it would be distributed by An Post, but on what basis? There is an interdepartmental group. What is the prospect of other services making their way to An Post?

Regarding closures, we heard from the Minister of State about natural attrition. What will it look like in practical terms if a postmaster or postmistress does not want to continue? Will there be an opportunity for someone else to pick up the baton or will that office be let go?