Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 181: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had recent contacts with the Irish Postmasters Union; if he will address the threat to the maintenance of a competitive and nationwide postal network; if he will bring forward a national postal strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11347/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have met with the Irish Postmasters' Union (IPU) on a number of occasions as have some of my Cabinet colleagues in recent times. I also addressed the IPU Annual Conference in 2005 and 2006.

While the Government continues to be committed to the objective of securing and maintaining the largest economically sustainable post office network possible, the development and continued viability of An Post and the post office network is, in the first instance, a matter for the board and management of the company. Consequently, the way forward is for An Post to enhance existing services and, building on existing strengths, to develop new product offerings. There is an urgent need for An Post to diversify its own income streams and those of the postmasters.

It was with this in mind that Government approval was secured, in September of last year, for An Post to enter a joint venture agreement with Belgian Bank, Fortis, to set up a retail banking business. The venture is due for launch later this year.

Key to the Government approval of this joint venture is that it not only offers a real opportunity for the growth and development of An Post and the post office network but that it will, in time, greatly benefit the income streams of postmasters.

I have no plans at the moment to publish a national postal strategy.