Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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1131. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his assessment of the value and range of services which post offices provide to local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13785/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I am extremely cognisant of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices. Post offices, among other things, make Government and financial services locally available, provide a social centre for a community and encourage spending in local economies. They also play an important role in delivering social welfare payments to the public. It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong, viable company and in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and that it maintains a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. However, the postal sector as a whole is undergoing systemic change as a result of the growth of the digital economy. The continuing decline in mail volumes, combined with the ongoing impact of e-substitution on retail businesses transacted through the post office network, is a significant challenge for the company and has an impact on its financial well-being.In recognition of the changing commercial environment within which An Post operates, my predecessor established the Post Office Network Business Development Group, the remit of which was to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network. The final report of this Group was published in January 2016. On foot of the reconfiguration of Government Departments in July last, responsibility for the post office network transferred to my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with particular responsibility for implementation of the aforementioned report. In my role in respect of the corporate governance of An Post, I have impressed upon the company the importance of giving its support and assistance to Minister Humphreys and Minister Ring as work is progressed on bringing about new opportunities for the nationwide network of post offices.