Thomas Pringle TD has today welcomed the decision to award An Post another contract to provide over-the-counter cash transactions to those in receipt of payments from the Department of Social Protection.
“This is indeed very welcome news to the An Post network, postmasters, the 1.7 million customers who use Post Offices every week and indeed each and every community in Ireland where jobs are supported through this contract.
“The value of the existing contract, which is due to expire at the end of this year, was worth approximately €58 million to An Post last year, with the next one running for a further two years alongside a possible extension beyond that.
“While An Post currently has preferred bidder status for winning the contract, I’m confident that the ensuing negotiations will result in a new contract that Postmasters and all who rely and trust in this invaluable service will be happy with.
“I am aware of a concern amongst postmasters that further down the line when such payments by the department are transferred electronically that this will have a detrimental impact on the Post Office network. However, with the Standard Bank Account in the pipeline to be rolled-out in Post Offices nationwide pending final approval, I would be optimistic of the ability of Post Offices to adapt to these changes.
“I have always been a strong advocate of maximising the potential of the Post Office network to provide a diverse range of services to consumers nationwide, and I look forward to the finalisation of the contract between An Post and the department and their continued relationship in providing over-the-counter cash transactions long into the future,” stated Pringle.
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