Post office network
Deputy Nolan asked about the Government's plan and timetable to protect the post office network after the Kerr report. The Minister said its content was feeding into An Post's developing strategy and that talks with the Irish Postmasters' Union had begun.
Page 48 of A Programme for a Partnership Government states that the new Government will act swiftly on the recommendations of the Post Office Network Business Development Group. I am sure the Tánaiste is aware that the future of many of our post offices is at risk. The post office is an essential service that is the heart beat of rural communities that have had too many of their services decimated over the past number of years. Could the Tánaiste advise us about what is happening in this area and update me regarding the Government's plans to protect our post office network, the timeframe for the completion of the review and the actions taken by the Government to implement the commitments in A Programme for a Partnership Government?
Comment on this
The content of the Kerr report is included in the strategy that is being developed by the board of An Post at the moment. I understand that detailed discussions have commenced between the Irish Postmasters' Union and the company to try to progress the issues and put a long-term plan in place for our post office network.