Written answers

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Post Office Network

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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464. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has received communication from the Irish Postmasters Union in the context of promoting the use of An Post in the future, and identifying suitable opportunities for delivery of complementary and adaptable services, including the utilisation of the network of post offices and sub-post offices, including counter services; the extent to which consideration has been given to suitable and readily adaptable services in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16782/15]

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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467. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if consideration will be given to recognising the post office network as a national asset, as was done in the United Kingdom, to avoid the need for constant tenders for business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16812/15]

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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468. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to carry out a comprehensive review of the post office network, to highlight its benefits and any potential risks to its future sustainability as a national asset for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/15]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 464, 467 and 468 together.

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 network of customer focused post offices in the community.

I note the recent publication of the 6-point plan by the Irish Postmasters’ Union. It aligns with this Government’s consistent message that a strong, modern and commercially viable post office network, that is responsive to changing consumer choices, is essential for urban and rural communities alike.

Taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour, there are significant challenges facing the post office network. In that regard, I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year, of which the Irish Postmasters Union is a member. 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 work of the Group will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to it concluding its deliberations later this year. It is in everyone’s interest that we have a sustainable post office network, one that meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure that the future services offered by An Post and the Postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.

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