Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate Mr. O'Hara's reply but that is no way for a pillar bank operate or communicate. It seems to be the case that negotiations will take place next week. We will have to see how they go. That has put post offices in a very difficult position in light of the level of public expectation, which is unfair and unwarranted. No doubt postmasters will do everything they can to ensure that more services are provided in their post offices but we need to look seriously at community banking in this country. We need to consider how post offices can engage with and be central to it. This committee may need to communicate with the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach in this regard because we cannot keep operating in silos when there is obvious crossover. We are all speaking with one voice of support but I hope we will not be back here in a year's time having similar conversations but with fewer post offices in existence because we, as a State, have allowed more to close.

I thank the witnesses for attending. I would also like to thank postmasters personally. Over the past year I have used my local post office more and more because of the services which it provides and which have enabled me to keep in touch with my family abroad. My post office has sent packages in a very efficient, cost-effective and helpful way and has provided an unbelievable service. The post office is not a service that is based on nostalgia. It is a service for the future and will be central to the sustainability of towns all over this island, be it through community banking, work hubs or day-to-day banking and postal services.

We have a system and network that want to help and be part of the future of all of our communities. It is incumbent on the Government and future Governments to ensure this happens.