David Stanton
Ceist:182 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the downgrading of post offices throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5969/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2004
Ceisteanna (92)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to a viable and sustainable rural post office network.
However, consideration must be given to the current climate in which An Post is operating, bearing in mind the serious operational losses the company has suffered and the measures which need to be implemented if the company is to return to profitability.
All stakeholders recognise that An Post must adapt to its customer needs within the financial constraints in which it now finds itself.
Parallel with these developments, under an agreement between the Irish Postmasters' Union and An Post, the conversion of sub-post offices from a fixed contract to an agency basis, whereby payments are linked to transactions, is being implemented on a voluntary basis.
Where vacancies arise in the normal course of events, An Post advertises the post at least twice and actively canvasses for suitable persons to fill the vacant positions. It is only when a suitable candidate for a vacancy cannot be found or where there are no applicants, that a post office is closed. Such closures are regarded as temporary pending an application from a suitable person.
In order to improve the viability of the post office network, significant extra commercial business has been acquired including bill pay facilities for the ESB and a contract with the AIB under which the banks' customers can access their accounts through the network.
I understand that this new business is contributing to enhancing the sustainability of the network.