Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the commitment shown by the Deputies who have spoken on this motion. I also acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of members of the Irish Postmasters' Union. It is clear from what has been said that there is a strong wish for the post office network not only to survive, but to thrive in an increasingly digital world. I commend the Members on bringing the motion before the House. They are committed to supporting communities across rural Ireland and the rural post office network is very important in that regard.

As Minister with responsibility for rural Ireland, I am acutely aware of the numerous challenges that exist. There is no single, quick-fix solution for rural Ireland. That is the reason I am taking a new co-ordinated approach across Government to help rural communities to succeed. I am currently putting in place an action plan for rural development. Since taking on the rural Ireland brief, the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, and I have invested €22 million in rural initiatives such as the town and village enhancement scheme, the rural economic development zones and rural recreation scheme, to name a few. That is in addition to the €250 million Leader fund for rural Ireland.

Specifically in regard to post offices, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, has highlighted some of the fundamental issues that face An Post. At the same time, no Member of the Oireachtas would deny that the post office network plays a valuable role in serving the needs of rural businesses, communities and domestic customers. The ongoing systematic change in the postal sector is forcing post offices across the world to evolve. An Post is no different. The company is very aware that it must complement its existing products and services with new revenue streams. The proposal from the Minister of State, Deputy Regina Doherty, is something we should consider pursuing further. Despite the obvious challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of the company and the network.

There are many positives on which to build. Over 1 million people visit post offices throughout the country every week. The post office remains the most important source of access to cash for many elderly citizens and its retail network is unrivalled in terms of both size and distribution. I am also greatly encouraged by the work of the post office hub working group, as outlined by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. The models it has identified, such as co-operative post offices and shared value post offices, have the potential to make a significant impact on rural communities. Officials in my Department are also working with colleagues from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to examine the potential for a motor tax renewal service to be offered through the post office network. This option will be of benefit to people who might not have the facilities at this time to renew their motor tax online, which is becoming increasingly popular, or who might wish to pay for their motor tax renewal with cash.

The post office network renewal implementation group, led by Mr. Bobby Kerr, is concluding its work in the next couple of weeks. Recommendations from the group are expected to issue shortly to the board and management of An Post. It is important that every Member of the House recognise the value of letting this process come to a natural conclusion before any decisions are taken. The fact that it has been ongoing for a number of months reflects the complexity and impact of the issues at stake. I strongly believe that if we work together we can achieve our collective goal of a sustainable post office network which will deliver for everybody.

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