Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

Many Senators have questioned the use of technology and computers. I am raising this issue to try to ensure computers are retained in some of our post offices. The Leader was the Minister for Public Enterprise and she dealt with post offices in the past. I am concerned at the move nationally to take computers and automation out of post offices and reduce them to postal agencies. This will happen in Kiltormer near Ballinasloe this morning when An Post takes away computers. It is very unfair in an area where two sub-post offices have already closed down and 50 businesses use the post office that a change of ownership is being used as an excuse to take away this technology. This issue should be debated in the House and I would like to raise the matter on the Adjournment. An Post should not withdraw services from rural Ireland as is happening in many small towns throughout the country. It is using the excuse of a change of ownership to take away post office automation and computers.