Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his insightful speech. I am a little breathless because I ran in all the way from the gate. I appreciate that the Minister's intentions are worthwhile and Fine Gael does not oppose Second Stage of the Bill. However, I have serious concerns, as my colleagues have stated, in regard to jobs, sounding the death knell for rural post offices and what this might mean for rural areas. As Senator Brady said earlier, the postman is the only person an older person will see in some rural areas.

The universal service obligation must be considered in terms of An Post. Other speakers mentioned cherry picking. Profitable routes in urban areas heretofore subsidised remote rural areas. We cannot lose the value these people bring to the rural areas. That 87% of post is delivered on time is phenomenal. We take this for granted. A price of 55 cent is extremely good value and is one of the lowest prices in Europe. Why are we breaking something that is not broken?