Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. An Post is getting a loan of €30 million. Its income is approximately €78 million. The figure in respect of social welfare payments is approximately €50 million. There seems to be a hole every year. I am almost sure the figure in respect of social welfare payments was €60 million, but it is now down to €50 million. It seems that a patch is being put on the tube, but more work needs to be done.

Many postmasters are afraid to retire. I know people running post offices who are well past pension age but who say they are running them because the minute they close the door no one local will get the job. Why do we not shop in a small rural area? Mr. McRedmond might consider the economics and the figures, but I am talking about socially and economically deprived areas in rural Ireland. In looking at new ideas to revitalise the business why did An Post not tender for the contract to collect the licence fee?