Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is important because it gets to the nub of the matter. I have also picked that up from some media interviews the Minister has given where he talked about "some or all" of the business. If "some or all" of the business includes social welfare payments, there is no difference between him and me. If all the business can transfer to another business in the community, that will be a result because that is what people at the meetings I attended, and those I have met, demand.

Has the Minister considered, or will he consider, retaining the postal agency model in the 159 locations? When he mentioned "some or all" of the business, did that include the social welfare contract transferring to other businesses in the area and will he consider a way to ensure this does not create a problem for An Post's profit and loss if these services are transferred? Will the Minister consider a PSO levy on An Post and provide the subvention to meet the needs of what Mr. McRedmond will inevitably put forward if he is to transfer that business into the local community?