Post offices 'could play part in banking reform'

The Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) has called on the Government to allow it to deliver additional public services such as motor tax renewal.

The IPU said the move could save on government departments' staff and infrastructure costs.

The union said it could help to deliver on the savings set out in the Croke Park Agreement by offering a broader range of services, and also said its members could play a part in the reform in the banking sector.

It is asking the Government to consider making greater use of the post office network by expanding on the existing banking transactions it provides for AIB and NIB.

The proposals will be outlined at the IPU's annual conference in Letterkenny today.

The conference will also hear a proposal to allow post offices to accept deposits and withdrawals for Credit Union customers when their local credit union branches are not open for business.