David Norris (Independent)

His post office was the hub of his local community in County Laois which it remains to this day. When debating hospitals and the need for centres of excellence, politically every Member will stick up for his or her little backyard. However, in the case of the rural post office such a demand is justified.

While we worry about the flight from the land, if we leave no social organisation in rural areas what should we expect? I was delighted to hear a successful businessman like Senator Quinn state that as chairman of An Post he was given a brief to make it money and to make it pay. He has argued that cannot be done while retaining it as a social service.

It must be a social service. Elderly people in rural communities receive their visits from the postman. Often, they will go to the local post office to collect their pensions even though it can be done electronically and letters can be sent by e-mail. Visiting the rural post office entails meeting neighbours and hearing the local gossip. Sometimes the local post office can be a little huckster shop where people can get milk and teabags. It is a vibrant part of society, part of what we are as Irish people.

All of us, including myself, I am proud to say, have one foot in the bog. We should not forget this and not abandon the life so characteristic of this country. We cannot abandon the elderly who need this facility. I strongly support Senator Quinn's arguments on the social element to the post office network.

I urge the Government to ignore the political toing and froing across the floor of the House with Members trying to score party political points. Members must think of the post office workers and the value they give us. We must also think of the social infrastructure it provides.

Last Sunday Gay Byrne on Lyric FM had a request from Attymass in County Mayo, a town which he used to visit. Its post office will be soon closing down, an event of which we often hear. The elderly couple who ran it are retiring but there is no replacement.

I congratulate An Post on the wonderful philatelic items all Members receive.