Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will encourage, authorise or direct the computerisation of all post offices which are as yet not on line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14494/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will encourage, authorise or direct the computerisation of all post offices which are as yet not on line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14725/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 147 together.

The primary responsibility for the development of the post office network rests with An Post. The automation of the network was completed in 1997 and it had only been in very exceptional circumstances — such as an existing automated office closing and its equipment being transferred to a suitable neighbouring location which transacts significant volumes of welfare business — that further offices have been automated since then. To ensure that our post offices remain competitive and attractive to customers, I am convinced that An Post's long-term strategy must satisfactorily address electronic technology issues in a comprehensive fashion. I have asked the management to develop such a strategy and in the interim, a pilot project will see ten small post offices computerised.