Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The question is whether the Minister has consented to the sale or disposal of the An Post post office in Rathmines. The answer is that An Post has not sought such approval and would need it. It would need consent, it has not asked for it and, therefore, the Minister has not granted it.

The Senator went on to ask about what the plans are and whether An Post will continue to operate a postal service within that particular building. The Minister believes he cannot intervene in matters that we as an Oireachtas have given An Post a statutory responsibility to fulfil. An Post has an independent board with a clear mandate, and it would be inappropriate for the Minister to comment further on operational matters relating to proposals for specific post offices.

An Post plays an important role in serving the needs of business and domestic customers alike. An Post advises that this is at the forefront of its mandate. The board of management works to maintain the company's sustainability and its relevance to customers into the future. The Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, their officials and the Cabinet colleagues are working to support the company to this end. The Minister and the Minister of State, with departmental officials, will reflect on concerns that have been outlined by the Senator.