Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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591. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the remit and operational plan of the newly established post office network development group; if it will specifically affect post offices in Connemara, County Galway; if will re-iterate his support for the protection of post offices in Connemara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9186/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer focussed network of post offices in the community, including those in the region of Connemara, Co. Galway.

The post office network faces significant challenges given the impact of the economic downturn over the last few years, changes in technology and customer retail preferences. However, the network also stands well positioned to become the front office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic transactions as well as the more traditional over the counter transactions.

Last month, I formally launched the Post Office Network Business Development Group under the independent Chairmanship of Mr Bobby Kerr.

The Terms of Reference for the Group are to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network; identify the new business opportunities for the post office network, taking account of international experience; engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the above objectives; prepare an interim and final report for the Minister in accordance with an agreed timetable.

The Group’s work will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to receiving the interim and final reports during this year.