Brussels, 15/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - As EUROPE previously announced, the Irish government project to inject EUR 12.7 million into An Post in order to contribute to the development of its Post Office counter network, has been authorised by the Commission. This one off equity injection is aimed at enabling An Post to fulfil the general economic interest service of a nation-wide presence of 1,800 out of 1,900 counters which are run by self-employed post masters. Increasing losses generated by its post office counter network means that for the first time, the Irish Post Office, which has been profitable until now, will announce a loss this year. The post office network is very comprehensive and allows customers access to public services that include benefit payments and financial services to people in geographically dispersed areas and socially disadvantaged groups. In order to guarantee the sustainability of this post office network, the Irish government will inject it with EUR 12.7. This will also have the effect of creating new and attractive work contracts and enable post masters on these new contracts to refurbish their premises. The Commission has calculated that this amount does not exceed the necessary costs for ensuring a national-wide counter presence, which is a service of general economic interest and has therefore decided not to raise any objections.