Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 1

Written Answers - Post Office Network.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

25 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of times the interdepartmental group to provide a blueprint for the future funding of the post office network has met, the Departments involved and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13186/01]

Denis Naughten

Question:

49 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to secure the viability of rural post offices and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13185/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 49 together.

Following publication of the Flynn report, I announced that the Government had decided to establish an interdepartmental group to provide a blueprint for the future funding of the post office network. The Postal Interdepartmental Group has met twice, on 26 April and 3 May, 2001. The group is also due to meet again shortly.

At present, the Departments which are represented on the group are my own Department and the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance, Social, Community and Family Affairs, and Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. However, other Departments may become involved at a later stage as necessary. I expect the group to complete its work and report back to me within three to four months.