Post office contract changes
Deputy Brassil sought clarification on whether a postmaster could be replaced by a new contract at the same post office after accepting a buyout of the old one. Minister Naughten explained the 1908 contract is being revised and that An Post will first seek another business in the community before publishing the protocol.
This morning, the issue of the post office contract was raised. I would like clarification on this because it is very important. Will the Tánaiste confirm that the deal post offices have been offered is to buy out the old contract and that if a postmaster accepts that offer, there is nothing to preclude a new contract being offered in respect of the same post office at the same location but with a different proprietor involved?
Comment on this
The current contract dates back to 1908 and is being revised. Should a postmaster decide that he or she does not wish to proceed, a clear protocol is put in place. In the first instance, the intention is to offer a contract to any other business in that community that may be willing to continue to provide the service. There is a clear protocol and this, I understand, will be published by An Post.
