Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the past few months 12 communities in County Cork, four of which are in my constituency of Cork South-West and one of which is in a neighbouring constituency, were dealt a devastating blow. The areas include Allihies, Ballineen, Desertserges, Drinagh and Minane Bridge. As I worked in the post office for many years, I know first hand the economic and social benefits provided for a community by a post office. If someone collects his or her social welfare payment, he or she will spend the money in the locality. He or she will do his or her grocery shopping, have his or her hair done or have a cup of tea. If we take that money away from the community, we will take away business from it. What have not been mentioned that much are the post offices which encompass sorting offices. Businesses built around these post offices will have to wait far longer to receive their post. Ballineen is one, if the Minister is asking what they are. On the one hand, we are trying to encourage people to set up businesses and, on the other, taking away a lifeline.

I have heard the Minister say many times that nobody was forced into this as if it was a feather in his cap. That may be the case, but at the same time, communities are at a loss. A contract to provide a service in the area should be given to someone else. The Minister has often spoken about being one of the five people to make a submission to Mr. Bobby Kerr. That is grand and well done, but Deputy Denis Naughten is now Minister and the buck stops with him.

See this speech in context