Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comments. While I accept the need for rationalisation and cost savings in government, particularly in the Department of Social Protection, which has the largest budget, we are discussing more than just a financial cost. Who will pay for the lodgement to the bank? Every time a transaction is carried out on an account, the individual must pay for it.

In rural Ireland, social protection means more than giving money to people in the most cost-effective way. A connection with the post office is sometimes the only outlet for social interaction that many older people have in the entire week. They look forward to their few hours on Thursday or Friday when they collect their pensions, meet their friends and do the little shopping that they require. This benefit to the entire local economy is badly needed at this time. We are all aware of the difficulties being experienced on rural high streets. Yesterday, I spent some time with traders in Charleville alongside Retail Excellence Ireland. They emphasised the importance of the mix of retail and services. The post office would be a necessary part of this mix.

We need to open a discussion on what type of society we want. Anyone who tried to shout "Stop" about the property bubble was ignored or ridiculed. We must not make the same mistake now and not shout "Stop" about changes that have the potential to rip the heart out of communities throughout the country. These changes will have a long-term impact on the type of society and communities in which we live, work and grow old.

I cannot overstate the importance of this issue for my constituents and people in rural Ireland generally. We are all now facing into the holidays and a new tender process will commence in September. I ask the Minister to postpone this process and allow the Government time to examine the potential impact. This action will have devastating consequences for urban and rural areas, and society in general.

I acknowledge that An Post has challenges outside the issue of social protection. We have examined the idea of paying motor tax in post offices and the Minister of State also referred to Aviva and various other payments. In small rural villages, however, such payments will not keep local post offices viable. Without social welfare payments, such post offices will not be viable. We are looking at the closure of 400 post offices and the effect that will have on jobs.

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