Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Since I became Minister for Social Protection, An Post has gone on to successfully compete for the contract for payments in cash through post offices across the country. This is important in urban areas but is particularly important in rural areas. I have been very happy as Minister for Social Protection to see this happen, as opposed to having extended discussions on it, as happened when Deputy Dooley's party was in Government.

There are ongoing discussions on the provision of rural transport. My Department funds free travel. CIE and the different companies within CIE are beneficiaries of this funding to the tune of just over €75 million. Another couple of million euro goes to private operators. I agree with the Deputy that the issue of transport is vital for people in rural areas. One of the best things that has happened recently in that context is the significant fall in the price of diesel and petrol.

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