Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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183. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which his Department plans to invest in the post office network to secure local access to services in both urban and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39926/17]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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184. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will liaise with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to prevent the promotion of commercial banks by his Department to the detriment of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39927/17]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he plans to authorise the implementation of the government services identified in a report (details supplied) through the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39928/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 to 185, inclusive, together.

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 for the Governance of State bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post.  Operational matters, are matters for the board and management of An Post.  As Minister, I do not have a statutory function in respect of such matters.

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 mechanisms for disbursing payments from the Department of Employment and Social Protection are a matter for that organisation.  The Government is fully committed to a sustainable post office network which it sees as a key piece of financial and social infrastructure for both urban and rural areas. I understand that the report of the network renewal implementation group, which was undertaken by Mr. Bobby Kerr on behalf of An Post, is under consideration by An Post.

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 nearing completion. All opportunities are being assessed by An Post in the context of the current strategic review.  Naturally, the outcome of the review will impact on the extent to which the recommendations contained in the report of the network renewal implementation group can be implemented.

Until such time as the review is finalised and assessed it will not be possible to comment further. Government will be briefed once a definitive strategy has been agreed.