Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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386. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he has taken to implement the recommendations of a report (details supplied); and the allocation he will include in his budget for 2018 to support the recommendations included in the report designed to put the post office network on a sustainable footing. [47695/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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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. 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.

An Post has carried 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 has looked at the future of the post office network with a view to ensuring a sustainable, modern and vibrant 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 understand that the specific report referred to by the Deputy is under consideration by An Post in the context of the review. It is expected that Government will be briefed shortly on the strategic review. Until such time it would not be appropriate to comment further.

My Department does not have any budget allocation for An Post in 2018.