Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with my colleagues about the Stability and Growth Pact. What is happening is amazing when one considers the countries involved have breached the terms of the pact three years running. This is not the way business should be done, especially in the context of recent reports about the huge level of fraud taking place in Europe involving Structural Funds. We need to restore public confidence in the EU and its institutions.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to return to the House? Two weeks ago I raised the difficulties with the postal service. I have since received a letter from An Post confirming that only 88% of post is delivered the next day, which is not acceptable. When one considers that An Post increased the price of stamps, it is clear the public is not receiving the service it deserves. Why is post for the Carlow region being sorted in Portlaoise? That is what is causing the delays. I understand some post from the Dublin area is being sorted in Athlone – perhaps the Leader is better qualified to tell me whether that is the case. In any event, the new service is not working out. Post is not being delivered on time.