Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
598. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to implement the report of the post office hub working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24450/17]
View answer599. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for additional measures to support the post office network; if post offices will be enabled to provide new and additional services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24451/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 598 and 599 together.
It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong, viable company in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and that it maintains a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. A fundamental review of An Post, including the post office network, which will identify the strategic changes and restructuring necessary to maintain the company on a sound financial footing is ongoing. Regarding the provision of new services in post offices, there are opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines for the network including the concept of 'digital assist' whereby the Post Office would become a default option for the provision of Government services for those who are not comfortable in the digital space. These opportunities will be assessed by An Post in the context of the current strategic review.
On foot of a reconfiguration of Government Departments in July last year, responsibility for the post office network transferred to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. That Department published the Final Report of the Post Office Hub Working Group in March in which it was outlined that they are pursing the possible opportunities for services such as community banking and motor tax renewal for the network. Arrangements are in hand to reassign responsibility for the post office network to my Department given my overall responsibility for An Post. The recommendations of the Post Office Hub Working Group will continue to be finalised between both Departments.
