Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to provide further services to rural post offices. [11549/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network remains with An Post and while the Government will support the network in any way it can and has demonstrated its commitment in a tangible fashion with a €12.7 million capital injection in 2003, the way forward is for stakeholders to continue to work with An Post in enhancing existing services and building on existing strengths to develop new product offerings. On foot of substantial investment in computerisation, a significant amount of extra business has already been obtained for the network in terms of banking and utility business.

The post office also enjoys a strong relationship with sections of the population that are currently unbanked, including many social welfare clients. With the rollout of e-Government services, the post office is ideally placed to capitalise on opportunities arising in this space, especially in the area of e-payments.

The post office network has significant strengths, including an unrivalled network and high brand name recognition. Clearly, arising from these strengths, there are continuing opportunities for the company to seek additional private and Government business.