I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 150 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. In addition, Irish post offices are typically independent businesses that are run by postmasters. 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. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.Since the November 2016 Private Members' motion referred to by the Deputy was debated, a lot of work has been done to ensure An Post and the post office network remain viable.
The transformation programme that was agreed with the Irish Postmasters Union in 2018, was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. An Post introduced the pandemic recovery fund in 2021, which was worth €8.5 million over an 18-month period. This commenced on 1 July 2021 and will continue until the end of this year.
My Department will be providing funding of €10 million per annum, from within the existing capital provision of the Department, over a three-year fixed term 2023–2025 to An Post to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The funding is subject to State Aid clearance being received and funds being dispersed in accordance with a methodology to be agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
An Post and the IPU (Irish Postmasters Union) are in consultation on the methodology to be used. Exact details relating to the disbursal of funds will be released in due course, subsequent to these consultations. Amendment of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983 will also be required to provide a legal base for the provision of funding from the Minister to An Post.The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a vital role. Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with the company, with other Departments and with key stakeholders to explore all options, in line with this commitment.