Ulick Burke
Question:140 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the support she will give towards restoring normal business in rural post offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30846/01]
Written Answers. - Post Office Network.
I have no statutory function in relation to this matter. It is an operational matter for the board and management of An Post. An Post has informed me that there has been no reduction in the range of services provided by the rural post office network.
The Government has approved a £10 million increase in the share capital of An Post specifically to assist the post office network. Recently sub-postmasters received a 12% increase in pay which was recommended in the Flynn report. I have also established a forum at which An Post, the Irish Postmasters' Union and relevant Departments are represented, which is examining the question of new Government business for the network.
An Post is constantly seeking new business opportunities for the network. It has recently won the contract for over the counter bill pay services for the ESB and has entered into a joint initiative with AIB whereby the bank's customers will be able to lodge and withdraw cash from their account using their local post office.