Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
134. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position of the Government in relation to supporting the post office network, especially in view of the fact that social welfare recipients are being encouraged to change their payment method from post offices to banks, a move which will directly undermine the viability of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22935/15]
View answerIt is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide network of customer focused post offices in the community. Social welfare payments comprise an important component of post office business irrespective of the size of the office. The Department of Social Protection recently amended a number of forms to list electronic payment options as the first option available to benefit recipients. However, all payment options, including payment via Post Offices, continue to be fully available to all customers. As such, the only change (in relation to Post Offices) relates to the order in which the payment options are listed.
I established the post office network business development group earlier this year. 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 aforementioned objectives; and prepare an interim and final report for the Minister in accordance with an agreed timetable.
The work of the group will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to it concluding its deliberations later this year. It is in everyone's interest that we have a sustainable post office network, one which meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure the future services offered by An Post and the postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.
