Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is important for us to discuss the salient points raised in the motion, which I acknowledge. A number of points are worth making. One would be forgiven for thinking that a widescale shutdown of the post office network had been announced. Nothing could be further from the truth. It must be acknowledged that one of the most significant developments for our vital postal service in recent times was the clear commitment to the sustainability of the post office network outlined in the programme for Government, which was agreed by both Government parties rather than being drawn up by the Labour Party or by Fine Gael on its own. The report that was commissioned by Grant Thornton is based on the loss of the social welfare contract.

See this speech in context