Postmasters are calling on the new Government to protect the future of their services.

They are calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to take measures to ensure social welfare payments are made through post offices.

The call is being made at the Irish Postmasters Union’s annual conference in the Midlands today.

General Secretary Ned O’Hara has said his members can do more to support rural Ireland – if given the chance: “We need a Department of Social Protection contract guaranteed either in cash or in e-payment.

“We need to be the front office for Government services, that was identified in the public care group that we can be the front office for Government services.

“We need the social role that post offices provide and the social hub function that post offices can provide in rural Ireland to be tested and tried.”