asked the Minister for Communications whether he has had any discussions with An Post regarding the closure of sub-post offices; and if he will make as statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sub-Post Offices Operations.
10.
In the course of a recent meeting with the chairman and senior management of An Post all aspects of the company's operations were touched on. The operation of post offices and the postal arrangements relating to particular areas are operational matters coming within the day to day activities of An Post and are not subject to the control of the Minister for Communications.
In view of the fact that the Minister has sponsored legislation that imposes a universal service obligation on An Post, would he interpret the provisions of that Act requiring that sub-post offices be provided on an adequate basis throughout the country as meaning that before An Post would consider closure, he would seek to involve himself in such a decision?
The making of post office and postal arrangements in relation to particular areas are operational matters coming within the day-to-day activities of An Post. I share the Deputy's concern in relation to the need for an adequate and comprehensive network of sub-post offices in the country, particularly in rural Ireland.
Is the Minister aware of a policy decision by An Post about six or seven months ago that they would close down all small offices and sub-post offices in the countryside and rural areas and that under this policy decision two post offices in Sligo and Leitrim, Kilmacarrick and Largydonnell were in fact closed down? Would the Minister say if such a policy still exists within An Post?
There is no such policy in existence within An Post, but like all matters in relation to the operations of the company, they are kept under review. As far as the closure of existing offices is concerned, on the death of a postmaster or a sub-postmaster, An Post review the effectiveness of the sub-post office concerned.
In view of the Minister's concern about this, could he indicate whether he will investigate the possibility of a policy statement from his Department on this issue so that An Post would have the guidance of what the Minister's concern means for them in practice?
This is a matter for An Post. However, it is a serious matter with social implications around the country. The Deputies can be assured that in any proposals being formulated and finalised by An Post, they will be made aware of my views on it.