Mr. David McRedmond:

I would say that there is a focus on the request of the IPU for €15 million. Government services are really important. We need Government services, whether that be the Department of Social Protection, the NTMA or whoever those services are from, to pay a fee commensurate with the service that is provided. We pass that increase on to the postmasters. We have to get some ourselves and we pass on to the postmasters. That is an extremely important way to improve the viability of the network.

The Deputy asked about the company offices. We have 46. They tend to be in bigger areas. They tend to be more in cities than rural areas.

Many postmasters make a very reasonable income, and make a good income. It is a good business, but some really struggle because they are in areas that are depopulated, etc. That is the difference.