Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is unbelievable. The Minister of State said: "Arrangements are now in hand to transfer responsibility for the post office network back to the Minister, Deputy Naughten's Department". It is over 12 months since the Government was formed and this is being played like a football between the Minister, Deputy Naughten, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. No one wants to take responsibility for the network which, as we have just heard from the Minister of State, is lionised as a fabulous network in which the Government has great pride. Yes, it is facing serious financial challenges but those challenges will not be addressed by the Government shirking its responsibilities.

The Irish Postmasters' Union signed up to the Kerr report so why is not being implemented? The question is very simple. Does the Government believe this is an asset? If so, is the Government going to invest in this asset - yes or no? Does the Government agree with the position of the CEO of An Post that we are facing the closure of up to 300 post offices across this country - yes or no?

With regard to the mail distribution centre in Athlone, to which the Minister of State did not refer in his reply, does he think it right and proper that this centre, which is ideally located in the centre of Ireland, is treated in this way? It is located in the same business park which DPD, an international courier company, saw as the right location in which to double the size of its operation and offer enhanced employment opportunities. Does the Minister of State think it right and proper that McKinsey consultants, which were looking at the future of the mail distribution system, did not even engage with the management of one of the most efficient units or with the unions representing the workers? Will he give a guarantee on behalf of the Government that, at the very minimum, those consultants will engage with the management and the unions there? I understand the Minister, Deputy Naughten, visited the centre yesterday, which is welcome, but the consultants need to visit too.

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