Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a very difficult day for An Post workers, their families and for the wider Cork area with confirmation that the mail centre in Little Island will have closed by March of next year. The closure will take place on a phased basis from September onwards. I assure the House that An Post and the Government will do everything possible to ensure each of the 240 individuals affected by the closure will be given every possible support. This decision was made by An Post, not by the Government and it is important to say that. I spoke to the CEO of An Post, David McRedmond, last night or the night before to seek reassurance on the terms and conditions and to try to understand why An Post has made this choice. Understandably, many people are very unhappy about it. It is important to give some reassurance to staff. The impact on the staff will be mitigated by a strong voluntary exit package for people who want-----

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