Vol. 505 No. 4
59 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance the discussions, if any, taking place regarding a strategic partner for the Post Office Savings Bank with a view to enhancing the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/99]
My functions in relation to the Post Office Savings Bank have been delegated to the National Treasury Management Agency. The POSB is operated by An Post on the NTMA's behalf.
Neither I, the NTMA nor An Post are aware of any discussions regarding a strategic partner for the POSB. I would like to mention, however, that customer service enhancements have taken place over the last few years centred on counter automation. As a result, there are now 1,000 automated post offices throughout the country at which enhanced quality customer services are available. These services include POSB business such as posting of annual interest, POSB book replacement, checking balances and posting of electronic funds transfer transactions into deposit books, on line bill payment, and social welfare business.
