Mr. Bobby Kerr:

I will respond to Deputy Stanley's part-time proposals. I am suggesting as part of my report that in category three post offices, the small rural post office, that a pro ratascenario could be operated whereby a part-time service could be entertained. There would be specific negotiations on a case-by-case basis with the company but I think An Post would be prepared to look at the solution of part-time service in particular locations.

In regard to the Deputy's second question on expenditure, which he believed was misdirected and directed towards larger rather than smaller post offices, I think that could be the case relative to capital expenditure only. If one looks at the spread of the €56 million, almost as much is going to the 700-odd post offices as to the other 300 but it costs more to refurbish the larger shops and that requires greater capital expenditure. I hope that answers the Deputy's question.

Deputy Stanley asked about the speed of implementation of my report. I have now finished my work and have determined my exit from this process. I asked both the postmasters and the company if I could bring my remit to a conclusion because I felt that if I did not do that, we could still be here in five years' time. I am one of those consultants who decided that he wanted to get off the train.

I do not think that Deputy McLoughlin had addressed a question to me or did he?