Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join previous speakers in offering my condolences to former Senator Mary Jackman's family. She was a very distinguished public representative for many years. This is a very tough time for her family. Not many people will know that Mary Jackman was originally from Tipperary and was a member of the Furlong family from the Cappagh White area. I pass on my condolences to them. She was a colleague of my mother's at one time when there were very few women in politics. They were quite good friends. I want to let the family know that we are thinking of them.

I ask the Acting Leader to join me in acknowledging the very positive news about postmasters and the €30 million that has been ring-fenced over the next three years to support that important sector. Today's statement is significant by the Government, and Fine Gael in particular, is highly significant. I acknowledge our colleague Senator Carrigy who has done stellar work on this in recent months in reaching out to the Irish Postmasters' Union, IPU. We have had many meetings with representatives of the IPU, including Sean Martin, about finding a solution to the very serious prospect that in the next six or seven months a couple of hundred post offices would close on the basis that they were not financially viable.

I have spoken to postmasters at home who are thrilled with the news. They say this Government decision will save post offices in Tipperary. That is a fact. This is the first time that a Government has provided direct funding to postmasters to recognise the role they play in communities, including in Tipperary. It would be terrible had this not been done as post offices would have had to close in January. I acknowledge the decision made today and the impact it will have on rural towns and communities across Tipperary.