Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have answered that previously with Deputy O'Rourke. Again, this was work on foot of information coming from An Post, working with officials in my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and economists to look at quantifying the social value. It is important to say as well the pandemic relief fund is an €8.5 million fund over 18 months. What I am announcing this week is a €10 million fund every 12 months. It is significantly more than what postmasters are currently receiving from the pandemic relief fund, which runs out at the end of the year. It is very important to say getting this unprecedented package for postmasters in place is no small feat.

We want to give them the space to attract more business and incentivise them to drive more business through the post office network. That is through banking and all of the other services but to work with An Post to drive that business. An Post is providing training and supports to postmasters and postmistresses.

Today, I want to call on the public to use their local post office. We have all attended public meetings across the country to talk about the survival of local post offices but there is an obligation on people. People value their post office but they need to use it as well and this funding gives post offices a timeline or a breather in which to drive new business. Also, the funding will act as an incentive for postmasters to increase business.