Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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513. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has met with an organisation (details supplied) and An Post in view of media reports that some 400 rural post offices could be set to close. [42576/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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514. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has seen the reported An Post blueprint which sets out plans for post office closures; if he will request An Post to publish these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42577/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 514 together.

As Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I am responsible for the postal sector including the governance of An Post.  Operational matters relating to the company’s retail business, including the post office network, are matters for the Board and management of An Post.

An Post is carrying out a fundamental review of the company to identify the strategic changes and restructuring necessary to put the company on a sound financial footing.  In this context, An Post is looking at the future of the post office network as it is imperative that it be restructured into a viable, sustainable, modern network for the future capable of adapting to the changing environment in which it operates.  Any changes in this area will have to be the subject of negotiation between An Post and the Postmasters.  I continue to encourage An Post to work closely with all parties to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network.

I have not seen the document referred to by the Deputy. I appreciate that there is concern regarding the potential closure of post offices and the potential number involved.  However, I am advised that no definitive decision has been made by An Post regarding post office closures.

I can confirm that I had a constructive meeting with the Irish Postmasters’ Union on 5 October 2017 and I was interested to hear their perspective on how to sustain the network for the future.

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