Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to address concerns that up to 500 post offices will close in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29880/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, to ensure the company is fully compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post.

Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for An Post mails and retail businesses, including the post office network, are a matter for the board and the management of An Post and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function. Consequently, measures to maintain, enhance and diversify the post office network are fundamentally a matter for An Post.

It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong, viable company 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 environment in which the post office operates is changing and the network needs to change to thrive particularly with the move to digital transactions. This involves harnessing existing strengths such as its trusted brand and the relationship of postmasters with individual communities to build the network of the future. The post office plays an important role in serving the needs of business and domestic customers alike and this is at the forefront of An Post’s mandate.

The House will be aware that a fundamental review of An Post, including the post office network, which will identify the strategic changes and restructuring necessary to maintain the company on a sound financial footing is ongoing.

As I have already stated, while decisions in relation to restructuring of An Post and the operation of the post office network are operational matters for the Board and management of An Post, I am monitoring the position closely and hope that a pragmatic approach which will ensure the long term sustainability of An Post and the post office network can be agreed. I have had a number of meetings with the CEO and the Chairman and my officials also meet An Post on a regular basis.  I have encouraged An Post to continue to work closely with all parties to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network.  Government will be briefed once a definitive strategy has been agreed but until such time it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this process.