Vol. 451 No. 3
40 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the number of post-offices and sub post-offices which will be closed in each of the years 1995 to 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6522/95]
An Post's proposals for closure of 550 subpost offices contained in the company's viability plan of 1991 was referred to consultants for a socio-economic assessment of the impact of closures on rural communities. An Post was requested not to proceed with these proposals pending consideration of the consultants' report. During Private Members' Business on 18 October 1994, the House was informed that the consultancy report had been overtaken by events. That is my view also.
An Post's current policy, with which I agree, in relation to the closure of post offices and sub post offices is to review whether there might be reasons to consider closure when the incumbent postmaster or postmistress retires or dies.
However, postmasters and postmistresses are appointed on an open ended contract and there is no upper age limit at which they must retire. It is not therefore possible to predict the number who may resign their position in any one year. Consequently the company cannot provide estimates for closures in the years 1995 to 1997 as requested by the Deputy.
When a vacancy occurs and when no family member wishes to continue to run a sub post office, An Post carries out a review of the operation. Where the review shows that the amount of business being carried out at an office is not sufficient to give a postmaster/ postmistress a long term sustainable living, a decision may be made to close the office and transfer business to a neighbouring office, thereby improving their long term income. In a case where there is no other post office within a reasonable distance, An Post fills the vacancy and keeps the office open, regardless of low business volume. Three-quarters of all post offices reviewed over the past decade have, in fact, remained open.
An Post does not require my approval for the closure of individual sub post offices.
