Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the previous speakers on the mother and baby home in Tuam and the Magdalen laundries. It is absolutely shocking. Accountability is needed because this is devastating for families. To bring it up today is heart wrenching.

I also wish to speak on rural Ireland. For the past few weeks, we have been hearing that there is so much extra work available and that is welcome, but it is in the cities. The House will be aware of today's announcement that the Government has recommended the closure of 80 post offices in rural Ireland. I read it in the Irish Independent. That the Government has recommended the closure of 80 sites, mainly in rural areas, is a massive blow to rural Ireland and the future of post offices. At the same time Ulster Bank is expected to shut up to 30 branches, again mainly in rural locations. I have been fighting for rural Ireland since I came into the Seanad. Rural Ireland is forgotten by this Government. The communities there - the shopkeepers, the doctors and the post offices - are forgotten about. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House to discuss the matter.