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

The driver's licence. Why is there no tie-up with courier companies? Postmasters cannot take in parcels because they have signed a contract with An Post. Why is An Post not actively searching for businesses that will bring in €1 or €2 on every transaction that will a service something viable? What is the position on a bank that actively wants to locate in Ireland? Has An Post had talks with it? If it links with a bank that can offer loans or mortgages at massively reduced interest rates, it will get people in. It has the buildings to provide such a service throughout the country. In a town where someone gives up the contract for the post office does An Post consider any tie-up with the local credit union that is open six days a week?

I want to hear how An Post will pay back the sum of €30 million. Is its idea that it can pay off Joe and Mary and whoever else in every post office and and get the money back that way? Are we going to build a sustainable future for post offices? Two years ago when we agreed to the programme for Government, there were many ideas. I commend Mr. Bobby Kerr and much of the work he has done, but we seem to be sitting and waiting for this bomb to go off. A loan will never make An Post sustainable. It might close the gap, but it will not solve the problem unless there is a proper business plan. My fear is that, socially and economically, Mr. McRedmond may not understand parts of rural Ireland. The only time some elderly people might see others during the week - there may be no transport available - is when they go to the post office and have a chat. Is there any link between postmasters and the Health Service Executive to tell it that they saw Johnny or Mary on Friday and that they are still alive, as that might be important? Unfortunately, only economics are being considered.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is telling farmers that applications for the single farm payment will not be accepted unless they are made online. People aged 60, 70 or 80 years who fill in the form do not have a bull's clue about how to get online. They do not have broadband. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is actively telling people that if they do not sign up online, they will not be able to withdraw their money. Are we trying to go after all of the kids in rural parts, as the credit unions were cute about doing, with their Sammy stamps and other ideas? Their representatives went to schools to look for business. An Post needs a business plan. It is a question of fighting for business, dreaming up new ideas and going for every contract. We can blame every Department, but if Mr. McRedmond does not tender, he will not get the job.