Post Office Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Ceisteanna (154)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has ongoing dialogue with the Irish Postmasters' Union in respect of the need to ensure the continued provision of full level of postal service including counter services, next day delivery and the upgrading of facilities in line with modern technology at all post offices and taking on board suitable additional services adaptable within the existing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10180/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for the post office network are a matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.

As shareholder, however, I have a strong concern in relation to the ongoing commercial position of the Company and I regularly liaise with the Company in this regard. Information in relation to measures taken or proposed to develop the post office network were set out by me in reply to Question No. 29 of 30 January 2014. I would also refer the Deputy to my contribution to the debate on a Private Members' Motion on the future of the Post Offfice network that took place in the Dáil this week.

I welcome the Irish Postmasters Union input into the debate on the future of the post office network and their report "Into the Future" which was launched on 19 February 2014. In this regard, arrangements will be made to meet the Irish Postmasters Union to discuss their proposals further.