Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to raise the proposed closure of the post office in Castleconnell in Limerick. Residents have contacted me. It is not easy to get from Castleconnell to Newport. Residents are reliant on getting lifts. Many older people use the local post office for their banking facilities so I encourage the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to come to the House for a debate on the future of post offices.

I welcome the announcement by the Minister for Health regarding transforming four hospices from section 39 to section 38 organisations. This is most welcome in Limerick, where Milford Care Centre is located. It is joined by Marymount Care Centre, St. Francis Hospice and the hospice in Galway. I compliment the CEOs, staff and the many volunteers who work in these hospices. My family availed of the services in Milford Care Centre over the past number of years. Compassionate work is carried out there. The news today is welcome because it secures funding for the future of hospices in Ireland. I thank the Minister for listening to us. I spoke to him and the Tánaiste about this matter and I think it was the right thing to do.