24/06/2015

Sinn Féin Call On Public To Respond To Post Office Consultation

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has called on Post Office users, particularly in rural areas, to respond to the governments consultation on the interim report on Post Offices published by Minister Alex White.

The Louth TD made the call after meeting with two Post Office owners to discuss the impact of government policy.

Teachta Adams said: "Post Offices provide an essential service for rural communities. They are the largest retail network in the state with 1150 offices and employ 3700 people. Almost two million customers use the Post Office network every week.

"Government policy is threatening the future survival of many of our Post Offices. In my conversation with two Louth Post Office managers they both highlighted the new pension application form from the Department of Social Protection which specifically recommends that applicants use financial institutions, rather than Post Offices, to receive their payments.

"Post Offices rely on two major contracts; the Department of Social Protection and NTMA savings. The decision by the Department of Social Protection to push citizens toward banks rather than Post Offices is putting their future viability in doubt."

(MH/CD)

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