Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Post Offices.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

109 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals she has to expand the business which can be undertaken by post offices to include the payment of ESB, county council bills and other transactions; if she will propose to have the Post Offices retain the responsibility of dealing with social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29375/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is a matter for the board and management of An Post to exploit and develop business opportunities for the company. I have no statutory function in the matter. However, given the Government's stated commitment to the retention and sustainable development of the post office network, I fully endorse the steps being taken by An Post in seeking to expand the range of business provided in post offices.

The question of An Post retaining the social welfare payments contract is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs. In 1999, the Govern ment approved, in principle, the contract then in existence in this regard between the Department and An Post, for a further three year period, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2002.