Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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133. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on designating the post office network as the "offline gateway" of choice for persons availing of State services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2288/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.

The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network, provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.

The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was published last year.

None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer additional services for delivery by An Post in the near term. The report recommends that Government should conduct a comprehensive review of how the totality of its services are delivered to the public, online and offline in the future.

Government launched the Digital Ireland Framework last year. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030. As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online by 2030, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports, including skills, infrastructure, and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels, and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols.

Implementation of the Digital Ireland Framework will be driven by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.