Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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565. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the necessary legislation will be drafted and enacted to permit An Post branches to provide banking services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41228/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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An Post has the largest retail network in the country and was fully computerised some years ago. As a result, the post office network can fill a vital role in the nationwide provision of over-the-counter services to the public, state services and other financial and commercial transactions. An Post currently carry out a range of transaction services on behalf of the AIB and the Ulster Bank across the post office network. With regard to the provision of banking services, one of the areas highlighted in the Initial Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group was seeking out opportunities in the financial services areas, including basic banking for the unbanked.

In advance of receiving the Final Report of the Group, which I expect to receive presently, it would be premature to speculate on future developments until I have had the opportunity to consider in detail the findings of the Group. The need for legislation will be considered in that context.