Mr. Brian McGann:

I was about to address that issue, which Deputy Harrington also raised. We have had discussions with An Post on the use of State savings accounts. The company tells us that the National Treasury Management Agency is not willing to allow these accounts to be used for that purpose. We are, therefore, in a position where one arm of the State is preventing us from doing what another arm of the State requires. What we need is a banking solution that will allow us to deliver the social welfare payments contract and other payments business through the post office network. We need the tools to do our job and the income we receive from that business to keep our doors open. That is the bottom line for post offices and anybody else in business.

I have listened to Professor Ray Kinsella, an expert in retail banking with whom some members may be familiar, speak on this issue. Professor Kinsella is strongly of the view that we need another banking force. Why does the Government not invite An Post, the Irish Postmasters Union, the credit unions and Professor Kinsella to a meeting at which we could have a substantial conversation on the issue? We could then find out who is prepared to step up to the mark and who is not prepared to do so. Postmasters are certainly willing to do so.