Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister of State is taking this debate on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Jack Chambers. My colleague Senator Murphy is going to be working with the Minister of State and me. I have raised this issue with our parliamentary party and with the Taoiseach's office. It is crucial that we look at our long-term strategy. I know €10 million a year is being allocated from An Post, but is that just for the postmasters? What happens to services directly employed by An Post? How do we maintain them? What is the long-term strategy? How do we ensure that services are on main streets in town centres? What service provider is going to pay extra for rent on the main street when he or she could pay half the price four or five miles up the road? What is An Post going to do about these listed buildings? If someone decides to take on this contract, how is An Post going to support him or her to maintain the post office in the same location and perhaps to expand the building to make sure it is fit for purpose for people in the town and for the employees? More needs to be done and to be looked at.