Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when additional financial supports will be introduced for the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27171/22]
View answer208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the post office network will be enabled to provide additional government services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27173/22]
View answer214. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking in response to the concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) that many post offices are facing insolvency from January 2023. [27197/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208 and 214 together.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.
While decisions relating to the network are matters for the board and the management of the company, they continue to engage with the Irish Postmasters Union on operational matters. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a vital role.
The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with the company, other Government Departments and key stakeholders to explore all options in relation to the viability and sustainability of the network. At this point nothing has been ruled in or out in relation to proposals, including financial supports. I hope to bring proposals in relation to the network to Government in the near future.
