Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Internet Access.

Denis Naughten

Question:

68 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals she has to provide Internet access in all post offices to ensure that everybody has access to the Internet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21372/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The question of providing Internet access in post offices is a matter for consideration by the board and management of An Post.

However, given the Government's commitment to the retention and development of the post office network, I have requested An Post to consider the provision of Internet services in post offices in the context of a number of measures which are currently being examined by the company with a view to securing the future of the network. I have also requested An Post to provide £5 million from the sale of their subsidiary PostGem/Ireland-On-Line for this purpose and have indicated that I will examine the possibility of seeking matching funds from the Exchequer in this regard.