Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I think some already have it. Funnily enough, the philatelic section is successful.

I welcome Mr. McRedmond, Ms Byrne and Mr. Bridgeman and thank them for attending. The atmosphere today is more calm than it normally is when we are discussing post office closures. At this point we must provide security of tenure. Let us bed down the system and say, "Let us move on." All politics is local. The post office in the parish of Athleague, in which I live, was closed down, as Deputy Naughten is aware. More than 500 people live in Athleague. Certainly, there are more people living in the entire parish. The electoral register is a very powerful tool. I could never understand why the post office was closed. I do not want to ask for details at this stage, but will the delegates come back to me on the issue? Why was a contract in an alternative location not tendered for? Has a post box been provided? One was provided in the Castlecoote area of that parish. The post office in Castlecoote was closed down and turned into a post box facility, which provides a good service. The post office in Athleague was a great facility, at which the Connaughton family - Josephine, Martin and Niall, with their staff - provided a tremendous service. It provided financial services also. It was a major loss to the area, as I think Deputy Naughten would agree. Its closure has had a major impact on the village which has a key industry in Kepak.

I commend An Post on the credit card facility. Will the delegates elaborate on the matter? I understand a person must have money in his or her account to operate it. Perhaps I am wrong, but can I volunteer to sign up to avail of the service? As a former Minister of State at the then Department of Posts and Telegraphs, I would love to use An Post's credit card. I encourage others to join because there is great loyalty to An Post and State services.

There is potential in the use of Internet services. It is not the most viable service, but there are many schemes under which farmers must apply for grants.

Many people do not have the skills to do that. It would be worth looking at carefully to see what An Post can do to help with application with a viable cost for that consultation. It is a very important service. It is becoming increasingly computerised. Many farmers - elderly and younger - do not have the time or the skills to go through that process. The same applies to booking flights and holidays. There is potential there.

There is potential to push the saving bond system further. One could update the cost of bonds. I know there was a reduction in the number of prizes. It is a great gift to give people, encouraging them to save. I would be in favour of the saving bond system being turned into a housing bond system allowing people to save there, with the funds directed into social and public housing. It would give people an incentive.

I suggested to the late Brian Lenihan that we should have a national saving bond. I think that was implemented and there is a saving bond in An Post.