Timmy Dooley
Ceist:54. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure the future of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42297/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 16 October 2019
Ceisteanna (54)
Freagraí scríofa
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to deliver a postal delivery service and a viable post office network.
In November 2017, Government was presented with a future for An Post and the post office network that was uncertain and extremely bleak with a very real possibility that the company would go under. The potential for a complete shutdown of postal services with the loss of thousands of jobs was undeniable. Immediate action was needed to ensure the survival of An Post and the post office network.
As a result of the actions taken by Government, An Post has been able to construct and begin implementing a strategic plan for a sustainable future. Government remains fully committed to a sustainable post office network which is a key piece of economic and social infrastructure for both rural and urban areas. Reflecting its commitment to sustaining a nationwide post office network and daily mails service, a €30 million loan was provided by the Government to An Post to support the required transformation programme.
The An Post strategic plan includes measures such as investing €50 million in growing and modernising the post office network; splitting the company into two distinct business units, namely, An Post Mails and Parcels and An Post Retail; relaunching its parcel business following a breakthrough labour agreement; and diversifying and growing its financial service products.
Decisions relating to the Post Office Network, including plans for individual post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and I have no statutory function in relation to these issues.
An Post has been diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products; local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products.
An Post recently launched two new dedicated sub-brands:
An Post Money offers an expanded range of financial services including credit cards, personal loans, current account (debit card) and multi-currency FX card across its network and through the website.
An Post Commerce provides expert e-commerce, mails and mail media solutions for domestic and international businesses.
Government business is the backbone of the post office network. In April 2018 the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection renewed her Department’s contract with An Post to provide pensions, child benefit and other social welfare payments at post offices.
As part of its consideration of the financial position of An Post, the Government agreed that further opportunities for Government business through the Post Office Network, including the payment of motor tax, should be explored.