Communications Climate Action & Environment Committee to discuss post office network

The schedule for the meeting is:

Session A -  5.00 pm: An Post and the Post Office Network Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group (resumed)
[Officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment,
Representatives from: An Post; Irish Postmasters' Union; Age Action Ireland and Bobby Kerr, chairman of the post office network business development group]

Session B - 7.00 pm: Engagement with Geoffrey Meagher, Chairperson Designate of Bord na Móna

Committee Chair Hildegarde Naughton said: “Tomorrow, we will resume our hearings on An Post and the post office network. As well as providing important services, the post office plays an important part in the social fabric of our country. However, it is clear that its business model is facing challenges as an increasing number of people choose to communicate electronically and do their business differently. The report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group identified a total of 23 recommendations, of which 9 are deemed priority, across the themes of Network Renewal, Financial Services, Government Services, Social Capital and Enterprise. Tomorrow, we will continue hearings on the report and its recommendations and the future of the post office network with a range of stakeholders. It is an opportunity for discuss in greater detail the challenges facing the post office network, examine the changes necessary to sustain a viable and effective service and look at the opportunities for the network in the years ahead.”

Following this hearing, the Committee will meet with Geoffrey Meagher, Chairperson Designate of Bord na Móna.

Deputy Naughton said: “Those who are being proposed for appointment as chairpersons of State boards are now required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee. Tomorrow’s meeting with Mr Meagher provides an opportunity for the Committee to assess the approach he proposes to take, should he be appointed Chair of Bord na Móna. He will have the opportunity to outline what he sees as the priorities and challenges for the company the immediate period ahead and into the future. Committee members will also have a chance to raise any issues they may have regarding the company.”

The Committee will start at 5pm, tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 November 2017 in Committee Room 2, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.