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

I thank both Deputies. The €10 million per year will make a difference to those who perhaps were thinking of exiting as independent postmasters. Providing that stabilisation will enhance the network. In certain areas, there was consolidation. In other villages, there was an exit of a post office. We have to try to maintain the network, and the €10 million will do that, as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure of the country.

On Deputy Stanton’s point, decisions relating to the network of post and sorting offices, including decisions relating to size, distribution and the future of the offices, are operational matters. There is proactive engagement between An Post and the trade unions on all matters relating to the sorting offices. It is important in any decisions made that there is a partnership approach between all parties involved. That is how An Post is approaching these matters.

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