Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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465. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the conditions of the €30 million granted to An Post in 2017, in particular the conditions regarding the operation of post offices; the position regarding the future provision of post offices across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2866/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In response to the challenges facing An Post, the Board has overseen the preparation of a comprehensive strategic plan, the objective of which is to secure the long term viability of both the post office and mails businesses and return the company to a sound financial footing. Government is fully supportive of An Post in its endeavours. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining a nationwide post office network and daily mails service, the Government has made €30m available in State funding to An Post to support the renewal of the post office network and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service. The €30m funding is subject to stringent conditions and Key Performance Indicators, the delivery of which will be monitored on by the parent Departments and NewERA. The loan from the Minister for Finance is for 5 years with the possibility of two one year extensions. The detailed conditions contained in the loan agreement were agreed between the Minister for Finance and An Post and as they are commercially sensitive are subject to confidentiality.

The strategic plan harnesses the company's existing strengths such as its nationwide reach, trusted brand and the relationship of postmasters with communities, both rural and urban. At the same time, An Post has recognised that it must embrace the digital agenda. and this is reflected in the plan, especially in the emphasis on growing the parcels business. Enhanced banking services are becoming available through the post office network with the smart bank account. It is expected that further such opportunities will be available across the network, especially as high-speed broadband becomes widely available through the roll-out of the national broadband plan. The Government has also committed to exploring the potential for extra Government business, including motor tax, to be channelled through the network and my Department is engaging with other relevant Government Departments in this regard.

Discussions on the future of the post office network are a matter for An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union. I understand discussions are ongoing between both parties and I continue to encourage the parties to work closely to find an agreed solution to the renewal of the network.