Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1454. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the work his Department has carried out in conjunction with An Post regarding the ongoing public banking investigation by the Department of Community and Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38102/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I am responsible for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, to ensure that the company is fully compliant with the code of practice and 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 matters for the board and management of An Post.  As Minister, I do not have a statutory function in respect of such matters. Consequently, measures to maintain, enhance and diversify the post office network are matters 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.  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.  All opportunities are being assessed by An Post in the context of the current strategic review.

The recommendations of the post office hub working group, which includes the community banking proposal, will continue to be finalised between both my Department and the Department of Community and Rural Development.