______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 28/09/2023
Question Number(s): 79 Question Reference(s): 41156/23
Department: Environment, Climate and Communications
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications to report on his most recent engagements with An Post management; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Minister Ryan last spoke formally to the CEO of An Post on Wednesday July 5th, 2023 at a meeting held in Leinster House. I have engaged with management on five occasions since I was appointed late last year in addition to regular engagement between my office and An Post. At this point in time there are no meetings scheduled with either with myself or Minister Ryan and the CEO of An Post.
There is frequent and ongoing engagement with An Post management and staff at official level, on all matters of mutual interest. This includes regular scheduled quarterly meetings and governance meetings, in addition to ad hoc engagement on issues arising.
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. Meaningful engagement between the company’s management and Departmental officials is crucial as the company moves to put itself back on a stable financial footing after the combined impacts of Brexit and the pandemic, and develop strategies to grow its business against a backdrop of e-substitution of mail and the growth of a cashless society.