Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have met the Irish Postmasters Union on several occasions. I spoke at the IPU annual conference last October. My Department engages in weekly meetings on the viability of the post office network throughout the country. The Deputy can be assured that it is a high priority for me, as Minister of State with responsibility in this area, to ensure that we have a viable and sustainable post office network. As I said, weekly meetings take place and nothing is being ruled in or out in relation to consideration around this. That includes financial supports.

I am acutely aware of the valuable importance of the post office network. We have seen it in action right throughout the pandemic. We saw the huge support and service that it provided within communities up and down the country. It is critical and is a priority for me. The Deputy can be assured that everything has been done within my Department, while working with other Departments, around supporting the network.

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