Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

78. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps taken to date to provide new public services through the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17942/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government recognises that a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial services and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise, as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network. The Digital Assist pilot initiative has seen 10 post offices kitted out to assist citizens with online Government interactions and has proven to be successful.

In November 2019 the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced retention by An Post of the contract for cash pay-out of social protection payments over the counter at Post Offices for the next two years at least and it also includes the option for renewal for a further four years, after the initial two-year period.

Government acknowledges that An Post has the potential for further development as a provider of other valuable community focused services and will work with the company to develop other services as required.