Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

I welcome that history will be made in the Oireachtas this afternoon when the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade commences pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025. The legislation is an opportunity for us, as a very small country, to lead the international community on this issue and to make history. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and, ultimately, its passing, will assert our solidarity with the Palestinian people and bring about accountability for the occupying forces in the occupied territories. I wish all Members of both Houses well in that work. It is really important that the Bill be progressed quickly and efficiently. I commend Senator Black on the work she did on this issue and the Government for supporting her in it. I refer again to the State's post office network. It dates back to the 1700s. The Leader and I know, as does everyone in this House, that the close to 1,000 post offices around the country do not just sell stamps and deal with payments. They are a lifeline in many communities. For some people, they are their only human interaction. They are the trusted face of the State in our communities. We had the Irish Postmasters Union and An Post in the committees last week. It was a timely engagement. I ask that the Minister come to the House and debate the future of the post office network. The postmasters' union has made constructive and positive proposals and the Minister should update this House before the summer recess on his proposals to ensure there is a sustainable, successful future for the post office network.

I offer a huge "Thank you" and sincere good wishes to Dessie Farrell. He announced his retirement as manager of the Dublin senior football team at the weekend. I thank him on behalf of the people of Dublin for the service he provided our county. He and the lads have done us proud. Dessie comes from my club, Na Fianna. He has had a proud relationship over 40 years with Na Fianna and with GAA in Dublin. As manager of the Dublin team, he did great work. I wish him well in his retirement.