Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
675. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Irish postmasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/15]
View answer676. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the decline of Irish postmasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15811/15]
View answer680. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to implement the Irish Postmasters' Union six point action plan to sustain the post office network and support local communities which was published recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15648/15]
View answer684. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Irish postmasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15812/15]
View answer685. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the decline of the Irish postmasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15813/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 675, 676, 680, 684 and 685 together.
Issues relating to the commercial activities of An Post, including the provision of postal services, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no function.
I note the recent publication of the 6-point plan by the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU). It aligns with this Government’s consistent message that a strong, modern and commercially viable post office network, that is responsive to changing consumer choices, is essential for urban and rural communities alike.
I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year. The IPU is a member of the Group. The Terms of Reference for the Group are to
- examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network;
- identify the new business opportunities for the post office network, taking account of international experience;
- engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the above objectives;
- prepare an interim and final report for the Minister in accordance with an agreed timetable.
The work of the Business Development Group will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to the Group concluding its deliberations later this year.
