Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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642. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans and timeframe to implement the report of the post office hub working group; when he expects An Post to present its strategy for the future of the An Post network following its fundamental review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32800/17]

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 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 a matter for An Post.

On foot of a reconfiguration of Government Departments in July last year, responsibility for the post office network transferred to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. That Department published the Final Report of the Post Office Hub Working Group (chaired by Minister Ring) in March in which it was outlined that they are pursing the possible opportunities for services such as community banking and motor tax renewal for the network. Arrangements are in hand to reassign responsibility for the post office network to my Department given my overall responsibility for An Post. The recommendations of the Post Office Hub Working Group will continue to be finalised between both Departments.

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. The 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. Naturally, the outcome of the review will impact on the extent to which the recommendations contained in the above mentioned Post Office Hub report can be implemented.

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. 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.