Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I thank the committee for facilitating my making a few brief points. The post office network is close to my heart. My grandfather spent his entire working career as a postman delivering the post in rural areas of in Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

I have a number of questions about the future of the network. One of the key things I have been struck by is the range of Government services currently provided by other Departments that could be rolled out to the post office network, as happens in other countries. There are some key examples. I am interested in hearing feedback as to whether this is something that could be done in Ireland. Is it something the witnesses would be willing to consider? What stage are we at in terms of moving to providing these facilities in post offices? In Australia, for example, the equivalent of the public services card is provided through the post office network. Also in Australia, a lot of work has been done around the electoral register and facilitating record keeping in that regard. In France, renewal of driving licences can be done through the post office network. Those are some key areas and services that should be available. That is the first part of my question.

There is a €15 million proposal to ensure the future viability of the post office network. The taxpayer will put forward that money. Will there be increased services as a result or is it simply to maintain what is currently available in the network as it stands? Does that figure allow for closures, particularly in rural areas?