James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. We need to hammer home the message today of the importance of post office services across to the citizens of this State. They are an integral part rural life. I am concerned about the ramifications we may face in the next number of years in regard to this sector, particularly around the increasing costs of stamps and, in addition, the possibility of a two-tier system for mail delivery, which would be extremely concerning if it were to come about. It would have an adverse impact on the delivery service and the livelihood of people working in An Post. Every household in rural Ireland appreciates the people working for An Post who call to them daily and the availability of that service to them. If we are serious about allowing people to continue to work from home, perhaps to help the environment which is an important cause for the Minister, we should seek to protect this service. It is important that we do that as much as we can.

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