Independent TD Carol Nolan has called on the Taoiseach to provide clarity on the timing and intention of Government regarding the publication of a plan on additional services at Post Offices.
The Laois-Offaly Deputy says this ‘was worked on last year but to date remains unpublished’.
Deputy Nolan put the question to the Taoiseach in the Dáil during Questions on Promised Legislation.
This is a parliamentary speaking slot where TD’s can challenge the Government on what it is doing to honour commitments that are provided for in its Legislative Programme.
The Independent Deputy’s question came as talks that are due to take place this week between Postmasters and An Post will result in a decision regarding a Postmasters’ ballot on industrial action.
Deputy Nolan said: “I think it is now clear that the Post Masters and many of those working in both rural and urban post offices throughout the network feel utterly betrayed by the lack of action from An Post and the lack of a sense of urgency from Government.
“Post Masters and Post Offices urgently need clarity on Government plans to ensure support for them in the light of current commercial challenges facing An Post and in particular that these will not be unfairly passed on to Postmasters.
“As the Irish Postmasters Union have already made clear, frustration with An Post has mounted to a tipping point on a series of payments issues which include a new contract that was signed in 2018 but which is still not in place.
“Post Offices are more than willing to take on the provision of extra services, especially the delivery of Government services such as Social Protection payments, but they cannot be expected to do this without support from An Post and from the Government.
“There are already clearly identifiable issues emerging around the delays in payment rates for additional agency banking services as well as the extra work that has gone in to Western Union transactions.
“Government and An Post must do what it can to ensure that Post Masters are left with a viable and credible option apart from strike action, which will hit rural communities hardest.”
