Mr. David McRedmond:

I cannot answer because I do not know all of the postmasters. I am absolutely clear that the postmasters' union took extensive legal advice on the contract. I have to assume that given the degree to which there is collective bargaining this is what happened.

To answer the question posed by Deputy Nolan, who does not agree that the post offices are unviable, certain postmasters and postmistresses took the financial offer - it was a good offer but not a great one - while others did not. More did not take the offer than took it, which shows that it was a balanced decision. As to whether we will reassess areas where post offices have closed because no one would take up the position, we absolutely would do so in circumstances where it would be very busy.

On the Sparkassen model, applications can be made through the RfP process and I am happy to meet anybody. I have not met Sparkassen representatives because we are working day and night to develop financial services and to deliver services. I have met many financial services providers and we have done deals.

Deputy Eugene Murphy said that An Post provides a great service in transporting people. I will have to come back to this. Deputy Eamon Ryan also asked about that matter earlier.