Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

If we learn anything from the Minister's tenure in office, it should be that it is important to engage in consultation. I say lightly and with a smile that one of the strengths of the system over the past decade has been social partnership. Some on this side of the House would not agree with that. If we are to learn from social partnership, we should learn that one must bring people with one. This means engaging with them, participating with them and giving them a sense of belonging. I am concerned we will end up with a botched job. I am genuinely concerned because, as Senator Coffey said about social and community knowledge, we must have ownership of our postal service.

I am not afraid of competition or introducing it but I am afraid we will have a model that will be broken. We could end up with that. I do not have much confidence in the ability of this Government to do anything right at this stage. I do not fly a flag for any union but know from community involvement and reading representations given to me that we must travel in partnership. What is the guiding principle of the Minister in this regard? Why is he reluctant to have real engagement? One size does not fit all. We have a very good postal service and a committed workforce. Were this to change, there could be a very different output, which is not what is desired.