Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will speak on an issue I brought up yesterday regarding the communications Bill and the timelines for that Bill to go through the House. I am aware the Leader is doing work on that to perhaps tighten up the timescales on it but unfortunately, even with the current timelines, the funding that has been set aside in the agreement put in place last year will not be in place for the February payment, for example. I point out for the record that I am a postmaster myself but I have spoken to a number of offices, not just in my own county but around it, and particularly in Dublin, which will be in a very tight situation again. Will the Leader speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, who is the line Minister of State within the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on this matter, and ask that An Post put that payment in place for the February payroll because the legislation will not be in place in time for it to be paid out? Particularly in the city areas, where high rents are increasing, many offices are going to find it extremely difficult. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers may be able to intervene.