Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy McGrath. He is entirely right. The postmasters have, quite rightly, been vigorously engaging with us. This is an issue of concern for them and I assure the House and the postmasters that the Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and a sustainable post office network. We see it as a key component of economic and social infrastructure throughout the country. The programme for Government we have agreed states the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. My understanding is that an amount of approximately €10 million per annum is being provided by the Government over a three-year fixed term to An Post, which then disperses the funding across the post office network. We will continue to work and engage to make sure we can deliver on the commitment to have a sustainable post office network and to support our postmasters.

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