Vol. 541 No. 2
237 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her proposals for the network of sub-post offices throughout the country; if she will take into account a recommendation that the Government should channel as much work as possible through An Post's network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21205/01]
The Government remains committed to the maintenance of the post office network on a nationwide basis. In July last the Government decided to increase the share capital of An Post by IR£10 million. This was decided in order to allow An Post pay increases in remuneration to the postmasters as recommended by Mr. Phil Flynn in his report published in April of this year.
To progress the reform of post office services, a partnership forum has been established. This forum will be chaired by Phil Flynn and will be representative of the company, IPU and Government Departments involved. Part of the work of the forum will involve an examination of ways of increasing Government business being undertaken through the post office network.
As present, three public sector contracts account for 78% of the post office network counter service revenue. These contracts are with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, for the delivery of social welfare payments; RTE, for the collection of licence fees; and, the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, for saving services.
