Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think it is the only initiative. While whether a post office remains open or closed is not a matter for the Government, the importance of retention of post offices has been a matter of huge concern for members of the Fine Gael and Labour Parties, particularly backbenchers. The strong conversation around the need for retention of post offices led to the establishment of the post office network business development group, which is expected to report soon on the issue of the sustainability of post offices. As part of this critical mix, there will need to be a sharp focus on banking.

Earlier this morning I spoke to the postmaster on Tory Island, Mr. Jimmy Rogers. People from Tory Island who wish to withdraw money from their post office accounts are required to travel to the mainland - some people on Tory Island believe it is the mainland, with which I agree - to withdraw money from their post office accounts via an AIB ATM. Post offices need to engage more in banking services. It is also important that there be a greater focus on the availability of government services through An Post, which is where the conservation is at. As I am a member of the post office network business development group, I do not propose to engage in predicting the likely outcome of its review. Discussion on the matter is ongoing.

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