I wish the Taoiseach and everyone a very happy new year. I wish to declare a vested interest. In regard to the importance of our post office network, I would like to ask about the communications regulation (postal services) (amendment) Bill. Will this Government work to ensure the protection of our post office network? It is of vital importance and I plead with the Taoiseach and his Government to save our post offices.

I thank Deputy Healy-Rae for his comment in regard to the new year. As the Deputy is aware, the situation in so far as post offices are concerned is now the subject of a very well-regarded business development group under the chairmanship of Bobby Kerr, who understands the retail business exceptionally well. I would say to the Deputy that the Government has no policy of closing post offices.

The only people who can protect the future of post offices are the communities who use them. The Government has already outlined the opportunities and options open for consideration as to how post offices can be maintained. Believe me, the Government does not want to close any post office. The only community that can keep them on a sustainable path is the local community. It will not be too long before this business development group reports. Every opportunity will be given to encourage the continuation of post offices, although the situation has changed radically, as the Deputy knows.

Will the Taoiseach tell the Minister for Social Protection that?