Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Like all my colleagues, I commend what took place here this morning. It was truly historic and the Leader gave a fantastic speech, as did all other contributors. I particularly commend Senator Cullinane on his contribution. That is the type of dialogue we need. As he said, if we have dialogue, and lots of it, it is amazing what can be solved. I commend all involved.

I wish to raise the issue of the post office in Corofin in County Clare which closed unexpectedly this week without notice. I acknowledge the efforts that are being made by An Post to accommodate people in this regard. Children's allowance payments were paid today in the premises in Corofin and I understand that social welfare and pension payments will now be paid in Kilfenora. However, there is an issue with regard to transportation. Many elderly people in Corofin and many of those on social welfare do not have transport and they will find it difficult to get to Kilfenora. I spoke to the head of communications at An Post just before I came into the House about I called for An Post to provide bus transportation on a Tuesday and Friday for people without transportation, until an alternative premises can be found in Corofin. Will the Leader, on our behalf, make contact with An Post and ask it to put transportation arrangements in place for people in Corofin who have been collecting their pensions for years in Corofin but who now find they have to travel in order to collect them. An unfortunate set of circumstances led to resignation of postmaster in Corofin and to the closure of the post office. I acknowledge An Post is doing its best, but the connectivity issue between the villages needs to be addressed.