Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The information put on the record of the House by Senator Whelan, and supported by Senator Kelly, is of a serious nature. I would like to hear answers to the matter they raised. It is incumbent on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to make a public statement clarifying the position today, not tomorrow or next week.

I agree with the sentiments of all colleagues on all sides of the House on the critical role the post office plays in our communities. There will be a presentation later this afternoon in Buswells Hotel about research on the future of the post office. Last week, I came across a scenario in Clare which was bizarre to say the least. An older person wanted to lodge coins into his bank account but was told by the lady at the bank’s customer service desk that there was a specific day to do so. It would be appropriate for the House to have a debate on the protocols for over-the-counter banking in rural areas. To think that an older person had to go away with his bag of coins and return the following day is ludicrous in a modern society. Not everyone is able to use these automated bank machines. It is particularly apt as our society is getting older. The banks, predominantly owned by the taxpayer, need to be reflective of the society in which they are serving.