Phil Prendergast (Labour)

Just as Eircom has to provide telephone lines throughout the country, An Post is required to deliver letters to all parts of the country. I note that An Post intends to analyse how much that universal service obligation will cost the company. As the Cathaoirleach is aware, rural post offices have been constantly and quietly attacked in recent times. Many of them have closed over the last ten years. I am concerned that the terms of reference of studies like the An Post analysis to which I referred will be used to suggest that more closures can be justified. Can the Leader ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to present his plans for the postal service?