Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Áine Collins has made the case very well indeed concerning the importance of post offices. She has said how vital rural post offices are in provincial towns and villages. Post offices are also extremely important in suburban Ireland as they are central to the social interaction the Deputy outlined.

The Government accepts that while cost is a hugely important factor and must be uppermost in our minds, particularly at the moment, there are broader considerations such as those referred to by the Deputy in the course of her contribution.

An Post is aware of opportunities to develop and enhance new lines of business, and it is doing so already. An Post is a strong organisation and it will continue to develop. From that perspective, therefore, there are such opportunities.

The Deputy made the point that change is happening quickly. The response I have given from the Minister for Social Protection indicates that while the Department is moving on with its proposals, there is nothing particularly sudden in respect of what is occurring. Opportunities have been provided for a period of managed conversion and change. There is a run-out period, as I have outlined, and there will be opportunities for the Deputy and others to contribute to this discussion as it proceeds.

While the financial context is not the only consideration to be taken into account, it is a very real one. From that perspective, I have nothing further to add to what the Minister for Social Protection has stated in response.

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