Mr. David McRedmond:

The easiest thing for us to do would be to do nothing and let the post office network wither on the vine. I have been in An Post for 18 months. We have worked day and night to deliver a credible plan to do the things that we are so often accused of not doing in this country - to make a detailed plan, develop a strategy and listen to local communities. I am sure the Deputy knows An Post staff in his area. The staff live in every town in this country. We have consulted and we are making the difficult decisions that we have to make to ensure there is a viable network for the long term. It is not that we do not care. I can understand the Deputy might not agree with the decisions. I accept that, particularly on behalf of some communities, but it is not that we do not care.

I have appointed an excellent managing director of the post office network. Ms Debbie Byrne has undertaken extraordinary work in terms of having that negotiation with the postmasters. The Minister is correct that more postmasters did not take up the package than took it up. It was a long and protracted negotiation with them to ensure that we can get the best outcome. They share some of the same interests as us because they are in the communities to get the best outcome for communities. I accept Deputy Martin Kenny's points regarding various communities.