Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I raise the issue in the context of economic debate. I hope the Leader will buy Senator Ross's book and wish the Senator well.

It has been brought to my attention that rural post offices are again under threat, particularly postmasters and postmistresses, primarily because Eircom has recently introduced a minimum payment of €20 for those paying bills at post offices. Moreover, O2 has unilaterally switched all of its customers to electronic billing systems, forcing those who wish to continue with the normal BillPay arrangements to revert to that system. These moves are an attack on the most vulnerable, particularly elderly persons who collect their social welfare payments at post offices and pay utility bills by instalments of €5, €10 or €15. While this issue may appear to be far removed from high economics, it relates to those who must watch every euro coming into their household, of whom there are many. Moreover, the measures taken by Eircom and O2 run completely contrary to Government policy and the sentiment of Members of both Houses who wish to protect and defend the vulnerable. Eircom has had a number of corporate owners and made millions of euro for an obscure international corporation to the detriment of the taxpayer. Its unilateral decision not only affects the income of rural postmasters but also attacks the vulnerable. The focus of my contribution is, however, on the need to protect those who are most vulnerable, as distinct from the wider issue of Eircom. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Social Protection to respond to the growing concern being expressed across the country about this matter?