Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Post Office Network.

Seán Crowe

Question:

281 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing plans by An Post to downgrade or close rural post offices; the meetings and discussions he has had with An Post in this regard; if his attention has further been drawn to the vital importance of post offices to the rural community; his views on whether the closure of economically viable post offices is a sensible decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6166/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The Government is committed to a viable and competitive rural post office network. However, all stakeholders recognise that the network must adapt to its customer needs and the financial viability of the service secured if the network is to survive and develop. To meet these objectives, the Government has increased the share capital of An Post by €12.7 million to facilitate the implementation of reforms. An Post is also actively pursuing additional business for the network, including bill pay facilities for the ESB, mobile phone top-ups through their PostPoint service and a contract with the AIB under which the bank's customers can access their accounts through the network.

Parallel with these developments, under an agreement between the Irish Postmasters Union and An Post, the conversion of sub-post offices from a fixed contract to an agency basis, whereby payments are linked to transactions, is being implemented on a voluntary basis.

Where vacancies arise in the normal course of events, An Post advertises the post at least twice and actively canvasses for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed. Such closures are regarded as temporary pending an application from a suitable person.

Since taking office, I have met with the former Chairman and senior management of the company and have been briefed on key issues for An Post.