The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan has said that the post office network is a "key component" of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland.

Minister O'Donovan was asked about the sustainability of post offices in a number of parliamentary questions this week (June 10).

Sinn Féin TD, Eoin Ó'Broin asked the minister if he is aware of the volume of postmasters struggling to keep post offices open due to a "lack of funding", and if any action is being considered in order to sustain the An Post network.

According to the minister, the government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network.

He said: "An amount of €10 million/annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term to An Post.

"The funding is being paid monthly for each 12-month period. There has been over €23 million claimed by An Post for the period 2023 to end April 2025 for the network," the minister added.

Minister O'Donovan also highlighted that the programme for government states it will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. 

Minister O'Donovan highlighted that An Post is a commercial state body, and has a mandate to act commercially.

It also has a statutory responsibility for the state's postal service, and the post office network.

The minister explained: "Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the board and management of the company and not one in which I, as minister, have any function.

The terms under which postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly," he added.