Mr. Mark Griffin:

Yes. It will also require investment. There has been a significant investment in computerisation but if the post offices move more into the banking arena that will cost money and require investment. We have discussed terms of the financial services working group with the Department of Finance on the roles of An Post and the post office network in delivering a basic bank account. The other thing An Post and the network are grappling with is the Department of Social Protection contract and the move from cash to electronic payments. Again, it is a reflection of the fact that some customers would prefer an electronic payment. When one looks at the costs of an over-the-counter cash payment versus an electronic payment, there is a ratio of about 10:1. It is over €1 for a cash payment but about 10 cent for an electronic payment. To support that approach would, therefore, have a big impact on the social welfare budget. That is part of the consideration of the post office development group. An Post has the DSP contract for two years and it will be bidding again for a continuation of that. It provides a great service but I hope the group is looking at the whole spectrum of issues facing the post office network and is being creative about the options available around additional business, and public sector business that may be transacted, as well as looking at the whole digital economy. Mr. Bobby Kerr is a successful retailer and he will bring a lot to bear in that process also.