Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to organise a debate on the interim report by Bobby Kerr on the future of the post offices. I heard Mr. Kerr give a very positive interview on RTE radio yesterday about how the post offices can grow and develop new services. A disproportionate amount of business is being done by relatively few of the country's 1,100 post offices. Two thirds of all transactions are being done by 300 post offices, while another 48% account for just 12% of total business. The business development group has established areas for further exploration, including the possibility of increased capability in financial services, given that the banks are withdrawing their branches in many rural areas.

Other areas such as HSE payments, motor tax payments, CAO and exam fees and local authority payments are all opportunities for the post office network. We all want to see the post offices retained, but this can only happen if new business opportunities are developed. The post office structure in its current form will not survive.

The retention of the Department of Social Protection payments system is vital. I agree with colleagues who have suggested that the Department appears to be encouraging people to receive their payments through banks rather than post offices. All Government agencies should be trying to safeguard our post office network, and the interim report published by Mr. Kerr is a first step. We should debate the issues here, as further good suggestions may come from the House as to how we should ensure the post office network is retained as far as is practicable.