Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I must declare that my sister runs a post office. Her staff member, Helen, had a stroke and I wish her well in her recovery. I hope the Minister's aunt is not watching the debate or she will have a stroke. It is a good job that he has made his First Holy Communion and Confirmation because he would receive no envelope. She would instead give him a red card. It is up to the Independent Members in government to deal with this issue because it is clear that Fine Gael will not deal with it. The Minister, Deputy Michael Ring, washed his hands of it and is not interested. I have been a Member of the House since the time of former Deputy Mary O'Rourke when lip service was paid to the post office network.

Deputy Niamh Smyth outlined all of the good things about the post office network. Post offices in Kilmeaden, County Waterford and Terryglass closed recently. They might be given a reprieve. Post offices are being closed every day and disappearing before our eyes like snow off a dish when the sun comes out. It is time for the Minister to act. We have had enough reports and strategic reviews. How many staff are working in the GPO? Postmasters and postmistresses are not causing losses in An Post; rather, it is over-staffing in places such as the main post office. When An Post was struggling, the price of a stamp was increased by 30 cent. If any other person was to do that, he or she would go out of business within a short time. It is the sabotage of a wonderful institution and wonderful people.

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