Irish Postmasters' Union

Lobbying Organisation Irish Postmasters' Union

Date published 20 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Communications

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details Post Office Network

Intended results To secure the viability of the Post Office Network in Ireland

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Tony Howard

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Mass communications

Letter All Oireachtas Members In April, the Union issued a Newsletter to all members of the Oireachtas highlighting the value of the government support package given to Postmasters since the 1/1/23. It highlighted further challenges to the Network as a result of operational costs. It highlighted how the Network has filled a gap in communities seeking access to cash and how Postmasters actively support communities and government by providing a smooth delivery of welfare payments and other cash payment services.

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (11-20)

1. Emails sent to Minister Chambers TD seeking follow up meeting with the Union. 2. Meeting with Minister, his advisors/officials happened on the 24/1/24. At that meeting the IPU advocated for a Cost of Living increase for Postmasters due to inflationary pressures since 2022. This has resulted in a chain of emails between the IPU and the Department around the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (Rates Subsidy) and its inability to provide relief for all Postmasters due to eligibility criteria.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jack Chambers Minister of State (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)