Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not have the detailed figures in front of me, but from memory the figures the Deputy quoted sound correct. We can clarify the specifics and confirm that for the Dáil record at some point, if the Deputy would like me to do so.

I listened carefully to the points he raised and, as I mentioned, the closure or opening of post offices is a matter for An Post and not the Minister. I do not make those decisions; rather, they are made by An Post. Notwithstanding that, I hope, on the basis of the inquiries I have undertaken for the Deputy, that he has been reassured regarding post offices in the Cabra area.

I look forward with great interest to the final report of Bobby Kerr, which I expect to receive in the coming weeks. It will point the way towards a future for the post office network, but one that is aligned with the realities of modern life and the manner in which people conduct their communications, in which business life is carried out and the fact that people's patterns, including retail behaviour, have changed. From that point of view, Bobby Kerr is doing us all a great service in terms of this report. He has consulted very widely and it is a great opportunity for us all to point to a positive future for the post office network.

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