Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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319. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of post offices closed on an annual basis in each of the past ten years to date; the extent to which any trend emerging can be addressed by way of the utilisation of the postal network for added compatible services on a nationwide basis; the degree to which discussions continue to take place in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12182/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for the post office network are a matter for the Board and management of An Post and not one in which I have a statutory function. Information provided by the company indicates that the number of post offices closed on an annual basis over the last ten years is as follows:

An Post has made much progress towards diversification with its enhanced arrangement with Aviva for the transfer of Aviva Ireland’s branch office personal business insurance business book to One Direct. The opportunity to pay Local Property Tax through the post office network has also been secured.

On 25 February, I announced that a whole of government consideration of the nature and extent of services that can be provided to the public using the post office network as a front office of government would be undertaken, in the first instance, by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy. I hope that the Committee will make further progress on a holistic approach to sustaining and developing the network consistent with European law. A timeline of within six months is envisaged for the conclusion of the Cabinet Committee’s work.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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320. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which ongoing examination continues to take place at An Post with a view to expanding the scale and role of the services throughout the country thereby ensuring the continuation of the entire service through the medium of adaptation of new and expanded technologies and responsibilities; the extent to which a specific role has been identified in this regard with the objective implementation in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12183/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I refer to the reply to Priority Question No.1 and to Questions Nos. 11, 17, 31 and 35 on today's Order Paper.