Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2016
516. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to outline the timeframe for progressing actions as outlined in the Kerr report to safeguard the post office network; the number of times the network renewal working group and the community hubs working group have met this year; the total number of meetings planned for the remainder of 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26443/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe postal sector has been undergoing systemic change both nationally and internationally in recent years, with increased use of electronic communications resulting in the decline in core mail volumes year on year. In recognition of this changing business environment, the Post Office Network Business Development Group, chaired by Mr. Bobby Kerr, was established in 2014 to examine the potential for new and existing Government services that could be transacted through the post office network, and to identify new business opportunities for the network.
The final report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group, which was published in January of this year, made a number of recommendations to support the future sustainability of post offices. These include recommendations in relation to the renewal of the post office network, and the creation of hubs around which local economic and social activity could revolve. The report also recommended that An Post should, following appropriate consultation with postmasters and others, review and amend the five-year strategy for the post office network.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to acting on the recommendations in the report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group. A number of Working Groups have been established to progress the recommendations, including through the establishment of a Network Renewal Implementation Group, which is being independently chaired by Mr. Kerr. This Group is examining the number and spatial distribution of post offices, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees.
The Group is continuing to meet monthly, with the intention of finishing its deliberations soon and reporting back to the Board of An Post in the first instance.
I have also established the Post Office Hub Working Group, to identify potential models under which the post offices could act as community hubs, especially in rural areas. This Group has met twice since it was established in July, most recently on 14th September. I anticipate that this Group will meet at least twice more in 2016 with a view to finalising its proposals.
I will be reporting back to the Cabinet Committee on Regional and Rural Affairs on a regular basis on the progress being made on the recommendations in the Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group.
