Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps taken, or likely to be taken, to enhance the role and profitability of An Post, with particular reference to the possibility of the provision of extra suitable and compatible services through An Post, which has a nationwide network of post offices and sub post offices, combined with counter services; if he will have discussions with other Government Departments which may find themselves in a position to utilise An Post Services through the use of modern technology, or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23015/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. [22963/15] on today's Order Paper.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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134. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position of the Government in relation to supporting the post office network, especially in view of the fact that social welfare recipients are being encouraged to change their payment method from post offices to banks, a move which will directly undermine the viability of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22935/15]

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. Social welfare payments comprise an important component of post office business irrespective of the size of the office. The Department of Social Protection recently amended a number of forms to list electronic payment options as the first option available to benefit recipients. However, all payment options, including payment via Post Offices, continue to be fully available to all customers. As such, the only change (in relation to Post Offices) relates to the order in which the payment options are listed.

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 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 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. 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.