Vol. 469 No. 3
224 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether he has been informed by An Post that it does not intend computerising all the sub-post offices throughout the country; if so, the response, if any, he has given to An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17523/96]
The question of office automation is a day-to-day matter for An Post in which I have no function. I am generally aware, however, that the programme of An Post for the automation of rural post offices is being undertaken in two initial phases. Phase I has now been completed and has involved the automation of the 600 busiest post offices which cater for 84 per cent of the business transacted at post offices. Phase II is currently under way and will result in the automation of a further 400 post offices catering for 11-12 per cent of business. This stage is due for completion by the end of 1997.
The company is committed to review the level of automation appropriate to the remaining offices with a view to implementation of a suitable technological solution in due course. The review is due to be completed by the middle of next year.
