Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and welcome his statement that the wording of the application form will be changed as soon as possible so as to provide a neutral option. One of the postmasters' criticisms related to how the new form recommended financial institutions as the preferred option. I understand that some people may want to receive their payments electronically via financial institutions, but the Department's application forms should not cite preferred options.

I agree that much more work is necessary so as to secure the future of the post office network. This is why I welcome the report of the group chaired by Mr. Kerr. It contained some excellent recommendations that could go a long way towards ensuring that the network's future is guarded as much as possible. Obviously, there will be other challenges apart from this issue involving Department of Social Protection contracts, so we must factor in that possibility.

I welcome the commitment to change the application forms. I hope that it will be done sooner rather than later, as this issue is taxing the minds of postmasters.

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