Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Smaller post offices are operating at a disadvantage vis-À-vis their larger counterparts. They will operate at a further disadvantage if the new financial systems are introduced. They also operate at a disadvantage because, as the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, stated, many are opting for electronic payments.

When this report and that relating to the pilot scheme are considered in 2007, I hope we will move towards ensuring all post offices will become fully automated.

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