Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like previous speakers I express my support for the motion. The post offices perform a vital function across a wide range of areas and provide a focal point for rural communities; indeed, in some rural communities, the post office is the only focal point. I note that Fianna Fáil has belatedly converted to the notion that the post office system needs to be protected and enhanced. The party published a document yesterday - a copy and paste document - but I welcome it, nevertheless. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, it should be borne in mind that while Sinn Féin and the members of the Technical Group have consistently defended the post offices, the previous Government closed almost 100 post offices. The Fianna Fáil document refers to 211 closures between 2006 and 2012 but it does not mention that the party was in power during that period.

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