Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
499. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of times the post office service hubs working group has met since it was set up earlier in 2016; when pilot projects due to be in place by summer 2016 will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/16]
View answer500. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of times the network renewal working group has met since the general election; if he will publish a report on its progress in time for the July 2016 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 500 together.
The Network Renewal Implementation Group, which is being independently Chaired by Mr Bobby Kerr, was established in January and has met at least once a month. This Group is examining the number and spatial distribution of branches, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) are members of the Group. Good progress has been made in a collaborative environment. Work is ongoing in the group and will continue for the foreseeable future.
A second group has been established to look at financial services and is making good progress, while a further Group has recently been established to look at the more complicated issues of contract renewal. The Group looking at developing Post Offices as 'Hubs' has not yet been convened.
Responsibility for implementation of the recommendations in the Final Report will shortly transfer to the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. It has been agreed that experienced senior officials from my Department, who have knowledge of the Report and its recommendations, will move to the Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht to work on the implementation of the various recommendations.
