Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I compliment all concerned in the resolution of the dispute that ended in the acceptance of the Labour Court's recommendations which gave a new lease of life to the post office services. What efforts are being made to accelerate the degree to which the post office network can meet the ongoing and ever-increasing customer needs and provide new services? Will the Minister give an indication of the degree to which he expects the utilisation of the network in future given that its competitors and the domestic customer are willing to utilise those services? In regard to the downgrading of existing post offices to sub-post offices and the closure of some, which can have a fundamental impact on the whole structure of the network, will he give an indication that this will not be done to the extent that it will undermine the whole fabric of the network which is a valuable entity? Will he indicate whether other Departments, including the Department of Social and Family Affairs, will not only continue to utilise but increase their usage of An Post services? Some indication was given that parcel and packaging services might be restored. In view of the growth of private or independent packaging services is there a possibility of the restoration of services in that area?

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