Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know what is going on. Mr. O'Hara will be aware that the negotiations here are about finding the fit in order that everyone can effectively say money is being given for activities. We all know how great the post office network is and what services it provides. I was an accountant in a past life. When someone was setting up in business back then, I would want to see a post office, a school, a bank and a church. Church numbers are down. What is left? The post office. I would have had clients such as chemists who were looking to set up. We wanted to see footfall. Post offices gave a significant indication of footfall. They were vital. That goes without saying.

However, the clock is ticking. The post office network is facing into what will happen in a short number of weeks. My worry is that something is being missed in the services postmasters are providing for which they are entitled to be paid. Mr. O'Hara made reference to the UK in terms of postmasters being paid. I am not saying the Irish Postmasters Union has not done so, but I ask that it cast a cold eye to see whether services are being provided by An Post for which it is not being paid. We know all about the community service that postmasters provide, but we are down to ensuring that €12 million comes forward from the Government to ensure the post office network can survive in rural and urban areas. What is being missed is that city post offices, in many cases, are under just as much pressure. I ask those present to recap on the services.