Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the future role of An Post in the context of communications; the extent to which he expects network of post offices and counter services to feature in the provision of a countrywide service, with added-on responsibilities of a compatible nature, thereby enhancing and improving the status of An Post, and availing of its strengths in the provision of a modern countrywide service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38951/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The post office network plays an important role in serving the needs of domestic and business customers across Ireland. However, the postal sector is undergoing systemic change, with migration towards electronic communications resulting in significant core mail volume decline year-on-year. In recognition of the changing commercial environment I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year. The group’s remit is to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network. The group presented its initial report to me in May 2015 and, in summary, the report outlined that the future of the post office network would be best secured by seeking out opportunities in the following areas: financial services, including basic banking for the unbanked, Government services, social capital and enterprise, and white labelling of financial and other products.

To gain further insight into these areas, a public consultation exercise was held from 16 June to 28 July. Interested parties were invited to submit their views on the initial report. It is clear from the responses received that there is a strong public desire to maintain the nationwide network of post offices. The consultation responses are assisting the group in identifying opportunities that can benefit the post office network and will inform the final report, which I expect to receive presently.

It is premature to speculate, in advance of the final report, on what the next steps will be until I have had the opportunity to consider in detail the findings of the group.