Page 48 of the programme for Government seems to be missing from the Government copy because it outlines all the Government will do for the post office network. As the Government is aware 159 branches are closing. A total of 50 are gone and a further 100 will be gone by the end of the year. There is a further crisis in that approximately 60 have advertised looking for postmasters but only five or six offers have been taken up, such is the issue with the contract.

I have put on record the rigged process that has been put in place with regard to the independent review of these closures. I gave two examples, but I am sure they are replicated elsewhere. In Ballinphull, Sligo, the decision was taken before the closing date for the receipt of submissions. It was taken without all the information. Gurteen is another example from Sligo. In that case the independent reviewer's report is being withheld by An Post and the company is refusing the community the opportunity to let it be seen. That has given rise to suspicion locally that a positive report came back from the independent reviewer but because it does not suit An Post the company is not going to release it.

Does the new Minister intend to continue in the same vein as his predecessor, that is to say, on autopilot when it comes to this issue? Is the Government going to accept its responsibilities to rural communities and take some action on this matter?

Your time is up, Deputy, please.

What we have is a rigged process where the Government is allowing a third-party organisation, An Post and a trade union to wipe out rural communities nationwide. I have called out an independent review process that is totally rigged and flawed. I have put proof on the record of the House but I have had no answer from anyone across the floor on the matter.

I wish to draw the attention of the Deputy to the fact that in the context of post office closures the record of Deputy MacSharry's party is far more-----

The public adjudicated on the performance of that Government in 2011. The Minister and his Government will be punished for their actions. The Minister should answer the question-----

Deputy MacSharry, please.

I represent a rural constituency. There are post offices closures within that constituency.

Answer the question.

It is a negotiated agreement between the postmasters-----

The trade unions.

Exactly.

This is not a conversation.

What about the people we represent?

The negotiated agreements are being honoured by An Post. The critical issue in securing the continued survival of post offices is their level of usage because that is what determines the remuneration available to postmasters.

Therefore, the Minister is doing nothing.

Where communities are not supporting post offices - I acknowledge that there are many alternative ways by which pension payments can be made directly-----

The Minister is doing nothing.

-----they are, in many respects, reflecting the changing times in which we live.

It is like the health service - it is the people's fault.

I will bring the Deputy's specific question to the attention of the Minister.