Pages 50 and 51 of the programme for Government state that: "We will establish a working group to identify the potential for local post offices to act as 'hubs' to facilitate other services such as health and transport, and a one-stop-shop for all Government services." Even community banking and handling car tax were proposed as major steps to save our post offices. More than two years later, in excess of 390 rural post offices throughout the country received letters from An Post, telling them that a drop in their income will be going ahead due to the sorting of mail and other things being taken from them. They were then offered a package to get out. One of these, among others, in west Cork, was the post office in Ballydehob, which, I may add, is one of the busiest post offices in west Cork due to the hard-working Bridie, the postmistress.

Promised legislation.

Yes, indeed. I called to Bridie yesterday evening. The passion she showed in wanting to keep her door open to the community is astounding to say the least. Over recent days, I have heard crocodile tears coming from Government Deputies going to these postmasters and postmistresses when these same Deputies have failed to implement the programme for Government. Will the Taoiseach stand idly by and watch these post offices close? Will he give a date for when the post offices will become a one-stop shop for Government services as promised in the programme for Government?

On the programme for Government commitment, I am not sure if the Minister has announced this yet but that pilot has started or is about to start, using ten post offices around the country to provide enhanced services. With regard to the offer to the postmasters, that is a voluntary retirement scheme, allowing them to retire if they so wish. It is intended that where somebody retires as postmaster, that contract will be offered to others in the area if there is demand.