Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Is it true that it is intended to use An Post for the banking or transmission of money transfers in the future? Would this apply, for example, to the Department of Social and Family Affairs which has advised that it will use banking systems in the future as opposed to postal services? Has the Minister given any thought to the optimum number of post offices likely to be retained throughout the country, notwithstanding the views expressed by the commissioner for communications and given that this country is somewhat different in terrain from most other member states? Is it intended to attach further compatible responsibilities to the postal service with a view to enhancing the viability of An Post? Will the Minister speak about the necessity for political approval of the structures to be followed in the provision of postal services in the future, having particular regard to the fact that it is an EU requirement that political agreement be reached?

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