Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will bring less commercially viable post offices within the ambit of a public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12580/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining the nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network continue to take full account of these social benefits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will examine the option of requiring An Post to share a larger proportion of corporate fees with the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The level of fees payable to postmasters and postmistresses is a contractual matter between them and An Post and is one in which I have no function.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will encourage An Post to expand its banking operation to allow more flexibility and choice for post office customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12582/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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While this is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post and one in which I have no direct function, I have urged An Post to develop a forward looking strategy for the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the further Government services he will channel into the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12583/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network, including provision of further Government services, remains with An Post. 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 An Post to enhance 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.