Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Naughten, on his determination, which I have witnessed over and over again in Cabinet, to ensure that the post office network remains part of the physical infrastructure of urban and rural Ireland. He has repeatedly confirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring that the infrastructure remains intact. We have seen a commitment to explore the potential to channel more Government business through the network, including motor tax, and the Minister's Department is engaged with other Departments in this regard. The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, will announce shortly a pilot "digital assist" initiative which will use the local post office network as a digital gateway for Government business. The Government has committed to State funding of €30 million for a project with An Post. The funds have been provided by way of a long-term loan advanced from the Exchequer to be used to support the renewal of the post office network and the continued fulfilment of a five-day per week mails delivery service. In turn, this will secure the future of mail and post offices services for local communities nationally in both urban and rural areas. In addition, An Post proposes to invest a further €50 million in the network in the next few years.

There is a partnership between the State and An Post to ensure that the company has a viable future. An Post's commitment is that there will be no compulsory closures while there will be some consolidation to ensure post offices are well located. The transfer of business to neighbouring offices will ensure the continued viability of smaller offices in meeting the needs of communities. An Post will open up to 20 new offices in communities of 500 people or more which currently lack post offices.

A post office will be guaranteed for every community of over 500 people and within 15 km of 95% of the population or, in an urban area, within 3 km. I hope what we have now is an agreement between the postmasters and management in An Post on a future development plan for the company. This is very much supported by the Government, both financially and from a policy perspective. It will ensure post offices will remain a feature across rural Ireland, as well as in urban environments.

See this speech in context