Menu
14/04/2016
Fianna Fáil Commits To Strengthening Post Office Network
Fianna Fáil has said that it is committed to strengthening Ireland's post office network, TD for Waterford Mary Butler has said.
Deputy Butler said that a change of direction was needed to ensure that the post office remains at the centre of community life.
"I recently met with representatives from the Irish Postmasters' Union to discuss the challenges facing our post offices in the years ahead. Serious concerns were expressed regarding the manner in which the Government is attempting to re-direct business away from post offices. This underhand targeting of post offices needs to end," Deputy Butler said.
"The Department of Social Protection has issued letters on a number of occasions asking social welfare recipients to collect their payments from a bank instead of their local post offices. This is having a detrimental impact on post offices. The payment of social welfare accounts for over 30% of all business transactions in post offices. Moving these payments to banks will only lead to a permanent decline of post offices.
"Post offices are vital for maintaining the fabric of community life in both urban and rural areas. They are the centre of community activity. The Government should be doing everything in its power to strengthen the post office network. Unfortunately it is doing the exact opposite. Acting Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton needs to tell her department officials to stop asking people to switch business away from post offices.
"Fianna Fáil is committed to strengthening the post office network. We set out our vision for the network as far back as 2014 when we pushed for the expansion of new products and services to be made available at post offices. Postmasters are willing to be flexible and expand services. All they ask for in return is for fair play from the Government," concluded Deputy Butler.
(MH)
Deputy Butler said that a change of direction was needed to ensure that the post office remains at the centre of community life.
"I recently met with representatives from the Irish Postmasters' Union to discuss the challenges facing our post offices in the years ahead. Serious concerns were expressed regarding the manner in which the Government is attempting to re-direct business away from post offices. This underhand targeting of post offices needs to end," Deputy Butler said.
"The Department of Social Protection has issued letters on a number of occasions asking social welfare recipients to collect their payments from a bank instead of their local post offices. This is having a detrimental impact on post offices. The payment of social welfare accounts for over 30% of all business transactions in post offices. Moving these payments to banks will only lead to a permanent decline of post offices.
"Post offices are vital for maintaining the fabric of community life in both urban and rural areas. They are the centre of community activity. The Government should be doing everything in its power to strengthen the post office network. Unfortunately it is doing the exact opposite. Acting Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton needs to tell her department officials to stop asking people to switch business away from post offices.
"Fianna Fáil is committed to strengthening the post office network. We set out our vision for the network as far back as 2014 when we pushed for the expansion of new products and services to be made available at post offices. Postmasters are willing to be flexible and expand services. All they ask for in return is for fair play from the Government," concluded Deputy Butler.
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 March 2016
Govt Accused of Undermining Post Office Network
The government has been accused of continuing to undermine the Post Office network across Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications Michael Moynihan made the comments after the Department of Social Protection issued letters to jobseekers recommending that they bypass Post Offices by using financial institutions to receive their payments.
Govt Accused of Undermining Post Office Network
The government has been accused of continuing to undermine the Post Office network across Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications Michael Moynihan made the comments after the Department of Social Protection issued letters to jobseekers recommending that they bypass Post Offices by using financial institutions to receive their payments.
13 June 2014
Legislation Threatens Future Of Post Office Network – FF
Following changes to the new Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, which removes An Post as the designated payment service provider for social welfare benefits, Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O'Dea, has expressed his concerns about the future of the Post Office network.
Legislation Threatens Future Of Post Office Network – FF
Following changes to the new Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, which removes An Post as the designated payment service provider for social welfare benefits, Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O'Dea, has expressed his concerns about the future of the Post Office network.
05 August 2016
Woman Arrested Over Kerry Post Office Raid
A woman has been arrested in connection with an armed raid at a post office in Co Kerry. The suspect was arrested at around 5.30pm in Killarney on Thursday, 04 August. A sum of cash was stolen from Waterville Post Office at around 11am on Wednesday, 03 August. Two men were arrested in the area after the incident.
Woman Arrested Over Kerry Post Office Raid
A woman has been arrested in connection with an armed raid at a post office in Co Kerry. The suspect was arrested at around 5.30pm in Killarney on Thursday, 04 August. A sum of cash was stolen from Waterville Post Office at around 11am on Wednesday, 03 August. Two men were arrested in the area after the incident.
21 January 2016
Post Office Development Group Agreements Will Support Future Of Service - FG
New agreements as part of the Post Office Network Business Development Group report will support local post offices in the future, Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said. "While post offices remain central to Irish communities, there is a challenge to ensure that they remain competitive.
Post Office Development Group Agreements Will Support Future Of Service - FG
New agreements as part of the Post Office Network Business Development Group report will support local post offices in the future, Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said. "While post offices remain central to Irish communities, there is a challenge to ensure that they remain competitive.
26 February 2014
FF Launch Post Office Overhaul Proposals
A series of proposals to "enhance" the Post Office Network have been published by Fianna Fáil.
FF Launch Post Office Overhaul Proposals
A series of proposals to "enhance" the Post Office Network have been published by Fianna Fáil.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
