Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
115. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagements that he has had with other Departments regarding the provision of additional offline services at post offices, including passport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra133. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will lead a national strategy on offline services to be offered via the post office network. [28258/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the final report of the interdepartmental group which was established in 2021 to examine the feasibility of additional Government services being provided through An Post will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 113, 115 and 142 together.
The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was noted by Government on 31 May and the report will be published shortly.
None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer services for delivery by An Post in the near term. The Department of Transport may be in a position to provide some motor tax services, but further technical work is required to determine feasibility. The Department of Social Protection and Revenue have also committed to exploring the feasibility of providing additional services. The report recommends that Government should conduct a comprehensive review of how the totality of its services are delivered to the public, online and offline in the future.
Government launched the Digital Ireland Framework earlier this year. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030. As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online by 2030, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports, including skills, infrastructure, and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels, and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols.
Implementation of the Digital Ireland Framework will be driven by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.
