Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number and location of post offices that have closed since he became Minister; and if he will make a statement on the future of the national post office network, especially with regard to new financial services. [13640/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the following appendix that outlines the information requested on the number of post offices converted or closed since the Minister came into office in September 2004. The opening, conversion and closure of individual post offices is a matter for the board and management of the company.

With regard to the post office network, as clearly set out in the programme for Government, this Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is a 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 benefits.

It is the Government's objective to maintain the largest, economically sustainable post office network possible. The challenge for all stakeholders in An Post is to generate sufficient profitable business to maintain the network at its current size. While the Government will support the network in any way it can, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings.

The network has a high footfall and to capitalise on these advantages it is essential that existing and new services are developed to meet customer requirements. The network also has the capacity and potential to deliver more private business especially in financial services and opportunities are actively being pursued by An Post in this area. Indeed, 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. At present, 95% of An Post's business is conducted through automated offices.

The Minister, Deputy Dempsey, has also asked the company to ensure that any strategy for the development of the company should ensure the long term viability of the post office network and in this light, An Post is currently working on a new initiative which could see the development and expansion of the range of financial services that it can deliver through its network of post offices. If successful, it could lead to a significant increase in post office business and contribute to the viability of the network.