Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if no further post offices or sub-post offices will be closed having particular regard to the need for the important economic and social services provided by the network throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14534/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if no further post offices or sub-post offices will be closed having particular regard to the need for the important economic and social services provided by the network throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/05]I

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 178 together.

This Government and the board of management of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network as set out in the Agreed Programme for Government.

The post office network has been the subject of a number of studies and reviews in recent years. Many of the recommendations arising from these reviews have been implemented, with particular regard to winning new business including extra banking and new utility business.

Where vacancies for a postmaster or postmistress arise in the normal course of events, An Post advertises the position at least twice and actively canvasses for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed. Such closures are regarded as temporary pending an application from a suitable person.

There is widespread recognition that the best strategy to sustain the network is for An Post to continue adapting to its customer needs and maximising efforts to secure existing business, while pursuing new business at every available opportunity.