IPU issues renewed warning about future of post offices

The Irish Postmasters Union has issued a renewed warning about the future of the post office network due to a lack of government support.

The union says more than one-quarter of Ireland's post offices have closed down in the past six years and the entire network could collapse due to declining business and the possible loss of social welfare payments.

It claims hundreds of its members are earning less than the minimum wage and 44 postmasters have already decided to close their premises since the start of this year.

The European Court of Justice is expected to rule shortly that the delivery of social welfare payments be put out to tender and the IPU says the loss of this business would finish off the post office system across the country.