Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Regional Independent Group for bringing forward this well-balanced proposal that outlines how we can help to sustain the post office network. The reality right now is that 900 postmasters are facing a significant drop in income. The Grant Thornton report said that €17 million per annum is needed to ensure viability of the post office network. However, An Post is speaking of investing some €8.5 million over 18 months. This is about 40% of what is needed. If that happens, as sure as night follows day, some post offices will close.

I will not call on the Government to save our post offices. That will not work: just like the call to save the west, although appropriate in its time, will no longer work. Like the regions, the post offices do not need sticking plaster solutions and they do not need saving. They need Government investment and Government intervention so that the post offices themselves can provide the services to their local communities that those communities need and want. That is what will ensure the viability and the long-term sustainability of the network. It is not about saving the network, it is about providing real opportunities to help them grow their business and provide greater numbers of services.

Agency banking provides opportunities but there is no clarity around proposals from Bank of Ireland. That is urgently needed. It cannot be a cheap way to provide banking services. That will not work. We need to look at the development of financial services outside the existing banking framework. Public banking is important here. The extension of online and offline services can play a role.

Our post offices need viable business plans so they can be self-sustaining. That is the only thing that will help to guarantee their future.

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