John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for attending and making their presentation. They have done the committee a service. As they will be aware, following lengthy deliberations, the joint committee published a report last March. At the time, we asked whether the document would end up on a shelf. The delegation, by appearing before the joint committee, has helped to ensure this will not happen, as has the decision to table a Private Members' motion in the Chamber last night. I listened to all the arguments and counter-arguments in the debate last night. I assure our guests that representatives of An Post will come before the joint committee in a couple of weeks to respond to many of the points they raised in their submission. While the committee does not have the power to call everyone into a room, we will certainly ensure everyone involved comes into this room to try to advance this issue. The witnesses articulated the problems, suggested solutions and identified what they were willing to do. As I stated privately to a number of those present last night, it is important that all stakeholders step up to the mark here.

I say this in a non-partisan way. The Minister cannot order members of the public to use post offices. He and the Government can create an environment whereby people will use the services provided - whether it is those relating to banking or whatever - in post offices. As I stated last night, it is important that whatever action is necessary in this regard should be taken.

An Post must also step up to the mark in the context of how it implements policy. Our guests have already stated that they are willing to play their part. As many of the members indicated, communities must also play their part. We have all been present at meetings that were attended by up to 500 people. I do not know whether it is because they are unaware of their existence or whatever but 300 or 400 of those individuals do not use the services available at their local post offices. This is an issue which must be addressed and a holistic approach must be taken in respect of it.

The most important aspect of this matter is that the post office network must be saved, particularly at a time when every other network - including that relating to the banks - is being withdrawn. Reference was made to what the Minister said during the Private Members' debate in the Dáil last evening. Will our guests comment on that and provide their interpretation in respect of it? I was surprised when the Minister indicated that between 2006 and 2010 some 197 post offices were closed and that only 17 have been closed in the interim. In light of some of what has been said, I will not be offering an interpretation of that. What do our guests believe to be the reason for the closures to which I refer?