Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

An Post is a commercial State body, and it has been under very severe financial pressure in recent years. It has had to take steps, including increasing the prices of stamps, among other things, to ensure that it can continue to deliver a service. It has negotiated a settlement with the postmasters whereby some post offices will voluntarily close. It has also developed a protocol under which it has given assurances that there will be a maximum distance that people will have to travel. It is ensuring that pledge is honoured in the context of any closures that occur. It also seeks to ensure that where other commercial outlets wish to continue to provide the service there will be an opportunity to do so.

An Post has set up an independent review process, and communities can submit to that independent review. There are two independent reviewers, and they will examine any submissions in that context. I assure the Deputies that An Post will seek to ensure the very best delivery of service to its customers in a way that is consistent with being commercially viable. It has a strong record of communication with its workforce, which it will continue to respect, but it has to develop plans that allow it to continue to be able to deliver on its mandate. That is what it does as an independent body.

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