Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
14 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in relation to the future of sub post offices in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25569/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and the board of An Post are committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable rural post office network as set out in the programme for Government. There is widespread recognition that the strategy to meet this objective is for An Post and its network to continue adapting to its customer needs within the financial constraints in which it now finds itself. By way of examples of this strategy, An Post has secured additional business for the network, including bill pay facilities for the ESB, phone top ups through their Postpoint service and a contract with the AIB under which the bank's customers can access their accounts through the network.
Parallel with these developments and 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. The key requirement, that a service is provided locally, is being met by the new agency.
The future of the post office network has been subject to a number of studies and reviews in recent years and many of the recommendations made have been implemented. The post office network at present has a high footfall, a recognised brand name, and a countrywide retail network. The priority for all stakeholders is to maintain and increase the amount of business being done through the network in order to secure its future.
