Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I am sorry if the topic I am raising has already been covered and I apologise for not being here for the beginning of the briefing. I represent a rural constituency. I cannot stress enough the unquantifiable social dividend that is associated with the post office network. I understand market forces and economics. I believe the post office has a special place in rural Ireland. A great deal of activity in rural Ireland happens around the post office.

Ireland's retail sector is lagging behind, in online terms, because it has not caught up with the development of the Internet. I see an opportunity for many post offices throughout Ireland to connect with the retail sector and see how they can work in partnership on some of these issues. Many of our high street shops have been affected by technological changes. People tend to shop from their sitting rooms rather than getting onto the bus or into the car to go to the city centre. I think An Post has a huge opportunity to get in on that business. It should be the first to raise awareness in this regard. I would like Mr. Mueller to comment on that.