Vol. 401 No. 2
8 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Communications if his approval was sought by An Post for the proposed rationalisation programme; if he will outline whether 500 sub-post offices may close; the steps he is taking so that the closure of sub-post offices does not cause hardship, especially in isolated rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, requires An Post to provide a national postal service to meet the industrial, commercial, social and household needs of the State. That Act also requires the company to ensure that its revenue are not less than sufficient to meet all charges properly chargeable to revenue account, to generate a reasonable proportion of capital needs and to remunerate capital and repay borrowing. It is, therefore, a matter for An Post to tackle its financial problems and return to profitability.
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. There is no requirement under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, for my approval for the closure of sub-post offices. I am not aware that An Post has made any decision in relation to the closure of sub-post offices. However, I have no doubt that the company would, before arriving at a decision in the matter, give full consideration to all relevant factors, including the implications for its customers.
