Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The post office network plays a critical part in the social and economic life of rural Ireland. The postman or postwoman is probably the only person with whom many old people, in particular, would have contact on a regular basis. He or she is the only person calling to many houses on a weekly basis, apart from perhaps a doctor or relative. That is why the network is so important for the future of rural communities.

I refer to conclusion No. 4 of the FGS report which states that Government policy on the post office network is vague and, unlike the majority of EU countries, Ireland does not have a specific minimum requirement in regard to the size and coverage of the post office network. It also stated that, as a result, current policy in regard to the post office network would do little to prevent the current ad hoc decline in the number of post offices. This statement highlights the lack of specific policy on the post office network which arises due to the ambiguity as to what is meant by "sustainable" and "nationwide service". It is this ambiguity which allows politicians to fully support the sustainable development of the rural post office while, at the same time, the number of post offices is in rapid decline.

Irish policy is in marked contrast to two thirds of that in EU countries where specific criteria exist regarding the number of post offices. Given that the Government uses 1997 as a benchmark for defining economic policy, I remind the Minister that on 1 July 1997 there were 1,818 contractors operating post offices on behalf of the Government, while the current number is 1,294.

See this speech in context