Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is shaking her head. I will ask the Minister to revert about that post office. I would not have the facts. It was not brought to my attention. The digital assist is a positive. It is a pilot but, subject to it working, I see no reason that would not be extended to many other different areas. As I said, funding of €80,000 has been provided. The proposed pilot locations are to be agreed between An Post and the IPU, which is positive. I will revert on the issue I have raised.

I accept the importance of the post office network and that there are people who prefer the social interaction that the post office provides. I have listened carefully to the Senator's views. It is Government policy that An Post remains strong and that the network remains strong. The agreement reached between the IPU and its members would be that there would be no compulsory closures of post offices. We are committed to a high-quality, nationwide service in both rural and urban areas. I think all Members would aspire to having maximum coverage of the country, providing an important service for communities across the country.