Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody who has contributed to the debate, as well as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and other Acting Chairmen. I also thank Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, my other colleagues in the Rural Independent Alliance and the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, for the discussions last weekend to try to reach an agreed solution, and I thank the Chief Whip, Deputy Regina Doherty, for accepting the motion. It is important to have a united front tonight. I acknowledge Tom O'Callaghan and the members of the IPU. Indeed, I must declare an interest as my sister is a postmistress in Tipperary. I thank her and wish a speedy recovery to the main member of her staff, Helen, who had a stroke recently.

Much has been said in this debate, but all talk and no action is no good. However, there were many decent and honest contributions. I am disappointed that Deputy Jim Daly made allegations. I hope he will withdraw them before this concludes or clarify who is trying to coerce people on social welfare to be paid only in the post office. We never said that. We only seek choice and not to be forced to have it paid into banks. We never asked that anybody be coerced or bullied as to where it is paid.

The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, addressed the meeting. The one item I wish to call him out on is the wanderly wagon idea. He should forget it. The wheels have fallen off enough wagons and we do not want them falling off this one as well, because that is what will happen. We will be going around with satellite navigators trying to find it. I accept that his colleague the Taoiseach had a wanderly mobile clinic, as I had at one stage, but do not try to imitate that. We do not need that.

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