Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 48 of the programme for Government seems to be missing from the Government copy because it outlines all the Government will do for the post office network. As the Government is aware 159 branches are closing. A total of 50 are gone and a further 100 will be gone by the end of the year. There is a further crisis in that approximately 60 have advertised looking for postmasters but only five or six offers have been taken up, such it is an issue with the contract.

I have put on record the rigged process that has been put in place with regard to the independent review of these closures. I gave two examples, but I am sure they are replicated elsewhere. In Ballinphull, Sligo, the decision was taken before the closing date for the receipt of submissions. It was taken without all the information. Gurteen is another example from Sligo. In that case the independent reviewer's report is being withheld by An Post and the company is refusing the community the opportunity to let it be seen. That has given rise to suspicion locally that a positive report came back from the independent reviewer but because it does not suit An Post the company is not going to release it.

Does the new Minister intend to continue in the same vein as his predecessor, that is to say, on autopilot when it comes to this issue? Is the Government going to accept its responsibilities to rural communities and take some action on this matter?

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