My Department has continued to engage with An Post in relation to their proposal to provide a payment account. There are a number of steps involved in the approval process which must be completed by An Post, including a statutory consultation with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I am also consulting with the Central Bank of Ireland. Once all the necessary preparatory steps have been completed, a draft order pursuant to Section 67 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 will be prepared for my consideration. I understand that the process is at an advanced stage.