John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the previous speakers. What we are considering here is a question about the delivery of service and cherry picking. If we are to avoid increases in prices and a zoned method of payment, we will need to ensure there is some commitment from new entrants to provide a service, particularly in recognition of the unique demographics and spatial dispersion of rural Ireland. As we said before, Ireland is not like France, where the local farmer lives in the local village; here, the farmer lives out on his farm. Such extra costs must be borne in mind. If we are to have a viable postal service we must be vigilant at every step along the way.