Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
25. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of An Post's transformation programme; the status of proposed sorting office closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/23]
View answerAn Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. In addition, Irish post offices are typically independent businesses that are run by postmasters. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company. 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.
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.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a vital role. Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with the company, with other Departments and with key stakeholders in line with this commitment.
The transformation programme was agreed with the Irish Postmasters Union in 2018. The status of the programme and that of sorting offices is a matter is a matter for the Board and the management of An Post and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function.
