Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005
242 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to bring rural post offices within the remit of a public service obligation; to guarantee the future of rural sub-post offices earmarked for possible closure; to provide on-line connectivity to the remainder of post offices to enable them to compete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18183/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and An Post share the objective of maintaining a viable nationwide post office network through a strategy of maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled by the network. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of An Post, there is clear Government recognition of the social benefits of maintaining a nationwide post office network. Accordingly, An Post development strategies for the network will continue to take full account of these social benefits.
The post office network has been the subject of a number of studies and reviews in recent years. Many of the recommendations arising from these reviews have been implemented, with particular regard to winning new business — including extra banking and new utility business.
Where vacancies for a postmaster or postmistress arise in the normal course of events, An Post advertises the position 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.
There is widespread recognition that the best strategy to sustain the network is for An Post to continue adapting to its customer needs and maximising efforts to secure existing business, while pursuing new business at every available opportunity.
On the matter of on-line connectivity of the entire network, the current automated network accounts for over 95% of An Post's counter business. This means that the 1,000 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 475 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. Nevertheless, An Post is now undertaking a pilot project, which will see ten manual post offices automated in order to gauge the effect on business. An Post is also engaging with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding automation of ten island post offices. Furthermore, An Post will undertake a fundamental reappraisal of the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on the existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network.
