I propose to take Question Nos. 171 and 173 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. A long-term low interest loan of €30m was provided to the company in December 2017, of which €15m was to support and protect the renewal of the post office network.
An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens; including through commercial contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency. Government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services.
However, it is essential that Government Departments and agencies operate in line with best practice in relation to the procurement of Government services and that public contracts are subject to a competitive and open tendering process.
The work of the Inter-Departmental Group is being considered by Minister Naughton and its report will be submitted to Government in due course.
