Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this important question. An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. In addition, Irish post offices are typically independent businesses run by postmasters. Decisions relating to the network, including those relating to the size, distribution and future thereof, are operational matters for the board and management of the company.

The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure of Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.

My Department is providing funding of €10 million per annum from within its existing capital provision over a three-year fixed term, 2023-2025, to An Post to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The funding provides time and space for An Post to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of the network to ensure a relevant, commercially viable network delivering more services to citizens and small businesses.

The Government recognises the importance of the high quality post office network to our citizens across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network, provides important services to its customers and is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens. An Post will continue actively to seek new business and explore opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines for the network.

See this speech in context