Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I am responsible for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post which is a commercial State body with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network. I am acutely conscious of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices. I am fully committed to ensuring a sustainable post office network is available to all citizens for the medium and long term.

It is widely accepted the post office network has been facing many challenges for some years, with a continuing decline in transaction numbers primarily driven by the move to online payments and online banking, as well as e-substitution. Standing still is not an option for the network. An Post has confirmed that it has implemented 17.5 of the 19 recommendations made in the Kerr report. I acknowledge the significant contributions made by Mr. Bobby Kerr and Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell in helping to address issues surrounding the post office network.

In April this year An Post announced a renewed vision for the post office network, which centres on the availability of new services in a modernised and revitalised network. The announcement was supported by an agreement reached between An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union, IPU, executive following months of intensive negotiations. It was subsequently endorsed by 80% of IPU members.

In their negotiations with An Post postmasters sought both the modernisation of the network and a voluntary redundancy package for those who wanted to leave the business. It is important that the decision of those who wish to leave the business be respected. These are not decisions that have been taken lightly or without good reason. There are several reasons postmasters across the country are availing of this offer, including age, low population levels, as well as the fact that some postmasters are not even earning the minimum wage as a result of declining transaction levels and mail volumes. An Post advises that where a post office closes, 70% of the business transfers to a neighbouring office. The reality is that by facilitating those who wish to exit the business, neighbouring offices are further supported, thereby ensuring a more sustainable network for the future.

The IPU agreement represents a necessary first step in reinvigorating the national post office network and making it a viable, sustainable, modern and vibrant network for the future, capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates by providing a service which meets the needs of communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.

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