Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

153. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the safety measures put in place by An Post in post offices for the safety of their staff in view of Covid-19; if he has held discussions with the management of An Post in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22038/20]

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

The staff and management of An Post are to be commended for their swift and sustained response to the pandemic which saw the introduction of a number of initiatives, implemented with good will and efficiency the length and breadth of the country. An Post has played a particularly valuable role in its commitment to rural communities and to the elderly and vulnerable in our society.Post Offices have implemented a number of practical measures to safeguard customers and staff, including the provision of PPE for staff, the installation of protective screens between counter positions and enforcement of social distancing for customers. Display boards, floor signs and staff remind customers to remain apart from other people while in the post office.  All staff have access to personal issue hand sanitiser and receive regular communications and updates from the company.

The operation of the post office network is a matter for An Post management and I have not met with the company  in this regard. However, departmental officials have engaged  throughout the pandemic with our sectors to ensure that they are in a position to continue to provide essential services in the current environment.