Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was a difficulty, and it was expressed on both sides of the House. The social welfare contract is the kernel of the matter and is critical to post offices at the moment. We have to look at the broad spectrum, including services that are available in other departments within counties.

Let us consider the consultation process. Deputies can see all the submissions on the Department's website. We should listen to the post office people themselves. A campaign is under way at the moment as part of which post office proprietors are inviting politicians in. I have met a number of them. In one particular town a postmistress came up with the idea of having a one-stop shop and tourism information outlet along the Wild Atlantic Way. We have to look at all the options. We have to look at footfall, but we have to look at the bread-and-butter issues as well, and the Government contracts are critical to that.

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