Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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130. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to support the maintenance of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22963/15]

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 network of customer focused post offices in the community.

I established the post office network business development group earlier this year. 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 network, taking account of international experience; engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the aforementioned objectives; and 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. In the meantime, I will shortly publish the initial report of the group for consultation, the results of which will contribute to the final report in due course.

It is in everyone's interest that we have a sustainable post office network, one which meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure the future services offered by An Post and the postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.