John Whelan (Labour)

One of the key issues in Laois-Offaly during the general election campaign was the local fire brigade service, and properly so. People were concerned about the closure of small rural fire stations. The fact is, however, that the household charge will go towards the upkeep of such services. I appeal to those who are opposing the household charge for selfish ends to think again. It is ridiculous, and it is putting local government at risk.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is an eminently sensible and pragmatic man. The household charge is not being embraced due to misinformation and confusion. The leaflets are a fiasco. We must involve people and make the method of payment easier for people who want to pay. It must be more user friendly and accessible. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister to involve An Post in this process. There are 1,100 post offices throughout the country and they are well placed, and I understand well disposed, to facilitating people who wish to pay this charge but do not have the opportunity to do so.