Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 3

Written Answers - Post Office Network.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

61 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the nature of her request to An Post to invest £5 million from the sale of Ireland on Line into the rural network; if the Government will provide a further £5 million matching investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26068/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

As was reiterated in the recent White Paper on Rural Development, the Government remains committed to the retention of the post office network and to its use for the delivery of the most comprehensive range possible of State services to all citizens.

In line with this commitment, I have asked the company to allocate £5 million from the proceeds of the sale of Postgem/Ireland on Line specifically to the upgrading of the rural sub-post office network. The company has agreed to my proposal and is currently considering the options for investment in the rural sub-post office network. Following receipt of proposals from An Post on this matter, the Government will finalise its con sideration of the provision of some matching funding.