Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

On a previous occasion, I raised the possibility that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources might come to the House to address us on the issue of An Post. There is now a sense of urgency in respect of this issue because we all understand we will see the wholesale closure of post offices once the general election campaign is over. I understand An Post is holding off until after the general election in case the Government might be embarrassed by the closure of post offices. Many non-automated post offices will be closed while others will be automated. Many of these smaller post offices also have grocery businesses and their only hope of survival requires the continuation of both businesses. If the post office component of these businesses closes, the grocery shop will close too. Then we will again bleat about the demise of rural Ireland.

I would like the Minister to come to the House and be honest with us in respect of what is happening in An Post. Over the next few weeks those involved in the post office business will highlight the serious situation in which they find themselves. Rather than wash his hands of what is happening, I would like the Minister to come to the House and tell us honestly what is happening.