Proposals on viability of An Post

Proposals on the future viability of the post office service by the interdepartmental group:

The post office network, which consists of 1,800 post offices, will move from the current fixed cost “retainer” model.

This will involve the creation of up to 900 post offices on an agency basis, located in retail outlets or petrol stations. These will be paid on a “fee-per-item” basis.

A Government commitment to a “safety net” of a guaranteed “Government services outlet” in communities, in the minority of cases where a post office service would not continue to be provided is “an important part of the overall proposed solution”.

An Post must be willing to use some of its (pounds) 167 million reserves to address the problem.

The Government may consider there is a case on social grounds for requiring a contribution from the banks to sustain the post office service on a nationwide basis, given the closure of branches.

Certain measures implemented by An Post to address the problems in the postal service may require clearance by the company with the European Commission in advance of implementation.

IRISH TIMES, 01st August 2001