Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like the witnesses to elaborate on that. An Post should exploit the saving book account. The interest rate is very low as it is everywhere - it is as competitive as any bank. We should encourage schoolchildren to save - bring them in young and get them involved in An Post with saving accounts.

In the past two weeks I visited the GPO. It was very busy. There is a fantastic atmosphere there. I went in to do some work there; to look at an account there. I witnessed some staff who were subject to considerable abuse. I know there are security people there. People come up to the desk looking for a social welfare payment that may not be in or whatever. An Post should look at that. The security present was not as strong it might be. I thought they were very vulnerable. I heard verbal abuse of staff which is totally unacceptable. The 1916 interpretive centre at the GPO is brilliant and I congratulate An Post on that. It is a very historical building and it is a great honour to work there.

I was always very anxious that An Post would have the television licence fee collection and I hope it succeeds. It seems a natural bond because RTÉ was created by the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs. I hope An Post wins that contract as it is in a very strong position to do. I do not think anyone can do it as well as An Post does and in a humane way.

The transfer of funding has been a bone of contention with Deputy Burton and others. They kept sending money out to banks, as opposed to the post office saving accounts. Has there been any change in the policy in this regard? If somebody wants to get direct payment of a pension or another payment, they should nominate An Post as the centre for the collection of that pension. Now people go with their books and get their money, which is fine. However, if people want to transfer it to an account, there should be a facility to have it there.

My colleague made points about the Cork situation. Was there any agreement that one sorting centre would be closed or that one possibly was surplus to requirements? The decision was probably based on location. Of course, it is very disruptive and I accept what my colleague said about the staff there. It was a very active office and any transfer or other change is a major blow. Sometimes there can be negotiations involving the unions.

On a local note, I wish to speak about the service provided by our local postman, Damien Meally. He comes there well turned out with the green image of An Post. He delivers his services regularly. He is a terrific person. That applies to all the staff. I worked with them as Minister of State at one time. I congratulate all the postmen and postwomen who go out delivering every day in all sorts of weather providing tremendous service. I am glad that their equipment is being upgraded and everything else. The presentation is very good. The presentation of the staff is very good. When it comes to their work, it is obvious that they are An Post. They are trusted and provide a tremendous service. The service they provide throughout the country is second to none.