Ms Debbie Byrne:

The shopping centre in Thurles has provided additional handicap parking spaces. I need to check where we are at, but we have engaged with the local council on the issue of the bus stop.

Social welfare is a big part of our business. Thankfully, unemployment is falling, meaning that the number of jobseekers coming into the post office is also falling. We are trying to get at the pensioner figure with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. We estimate that we are getting fewer than 20% of new pensioners coming into the post office, with the other 80% opting for direct payments into their bank accounts. It is true to say this is a declining part of the business. The figure for children’s allowance is probably higher.