Written answers

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Postal Services Provision

Photo of Maurice QuinlivanMaurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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445. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to protect the future of post offices nationwide. [40190/17]

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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448. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures that are being put in place to secure the future of the post office network here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40329/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 448 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 Government is fully committed to a sustainable post office network which it sees as a key piece of economic and social infrastructure for both urban and rural areas. 

The strategic 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 strategic review. 

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.

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