Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a report (details supplied) regarding the rural post office network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6146/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The report in question was prepared by an independent person on behalf of An Post. The report was submitted to An Post towards the end of December 2016 and it is now a matter for the management and Board of An Post to consider the report.

The postal sector has been undergoing significant change both nationally and internationally in recent years, with the increased use of electronic communications leading to a decline in core mail volume for An Post. Nonetheless, the Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the sustainability of the post office network in this changing business environment. The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a number of commitments in this regard.

For my own part, I established the Post Office Hub Working Group last year to identify potential models under which the post offices could act as community hubs, especially in rural areas. I chaired the meetings of this Working Group, which included representatives from An Post, the Irish Postmasters Union and rural representatives, and my officials are currently finalising the Group's report.

In addition, my officials have been examining the potential for the post offices to deliver other services, including the renewal of motor tax. A number of options for the delivery of this service have been identified and proposals are currently being finalised in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.