Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I call Deputy O'Donovan I acknowledge the call for Government action which has been well sounded here this morning. Even the motions have been spoken about it, on the political front. I ask the union to tell me the tangible efforts that An Post is making to attract new business. For example, AIB does some business through the network but other banking outlets around the country are closing. Has An Post made an effort to engage on a realistic level to deliver business through the network?

Community awareness is a fundamental issue and Deputy Harrington also referred to it. If a survey was conducted the union would be surprised by how many members of the public and citizens are unaware that when they do business through the banks that it has a serious consequence on the postal network. Has An Post or the union launched campaigns to raise awareness of the negative consequences of such actions on the rural postal network? Has the union seen tangible efforts being made by An Post? The issue needs to be addressed.