There is no Government plan to close post offices. There are 1,147 post offices and in the past three years there have been 17 closures.

There were 600 in total.

If the Senator allows me to complete my comments, I might answer his query.

This is in contrast to the trends during the period between 2006 and 2010 when 197 post offices were closed. Members on the other side of the House who raised the matter should consider their record in that regard.

The research office has been working overtime. Well done.

There are dramatic changes occurring in the postal service and revenue in An Post has fallen as mail volumes have dropped. In contrast, the business being done across post office counters has increased in recent years. An Post and postmasters have worked closely together to win new business for the network. Banking services, bill payments and foreign exchange transactions are just a few of the post office counter services that are growing. I assure the House that if we need a further debate on the issue, we will arrange one. The House debated the report of the Oireachtas joint committee on 4 July last year.

Senator Mary Moran called for a debate on mental health services, particularly services for 16 to 18 year olds. We have already had four debates on the issue. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has always been very helpful and made herself available for debates. I shall ask her again to come to address the matter raised by the Senator.

I note the points made by Senator Sean D. Barrett on the fact that over 700 people were tested for drink driving over the weekend in various areas and that only two were found to have a positive result. This highlights the fact that the message has got across that people should not drink and drive.

Senator Michael Mullins mentioned driving licences and the RSA. He outlined the fact that driving licence applications were being processed within 12 days or less.

Senator Marie Moloney called for a debate on long-term illness cards. I hope to have the Minister for Health here soon to discuss the health service plan and many other health issues.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson congratulated the new president of the GAA, Mr. Aogán Ó Fearghail, who is from County Cavan. It is good that we will again see a Cavan man with his hands on the Sam Maguire Cup. It is a long time since that has happened. We congratulate Mr. Ó Fearghaill who is a cousin of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, which is another string to his bow.

Senator Terry Brennan mentioned the Rugby World Cup working group that will be chaired by Mr. Hugo MacNeil. We commend the group for its forthcoming work. It would be wonderful if Ireland could host the Rugby World Cup.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames mentioned mortgage arrears and made other points in that regard. I can advise her that next Tuesday, 4 March, the Minister for Finance shall attend the House to debate the economy, economic growth and job creation.

Senator David Norris referred to inland waterways and the Naomh Éanna. This is an appropriate time to raise the issue because tomorrow we will debate inland waterways for over an hour with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, at the request of a number of Members. There will be an opportunity for the Senator to raise the question of the Naomh Éanna during the debate.

I also noted the point made by the Senator on bullying. Bullying in any form is reprehensible.

Senator Martin Conway mentioned problems with the Dublin Airport Authority's pensions scheme. I noted his points in that regard. He also asked that staff transferred from enterprise boards to local authorities retain the same conditions. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister.

Senator Feargal Quinn, when we spoke about post offices, mentioned the need to keep the main streets in towns alive. That is a very important issue the length and breadth of the country and possibly one we should debate.

Senator Paul Coghlan tabled a Private Members' motion on car parking charges at out-of-town centres, but we probably should have an overall debate on the issue.

I note Senator Catherine Noone's point on the inflated price of holidays abroad by travel agencies during school holidays. It is a matter that has been raised on a number of occasions.

Senator Paul Bradford called for a debate on the situation in Ukraine. I will ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to give an update on that serious issue. I also note the Senator's points on the shortage of housing in Dublin and the fact that there are so many vacant houses elsewhere and that we could have a debate on rural regeneration in that context.

Senator Deirdre Clune called for the recent report by Mr. O'Sullivan presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to be debated in the House. I will try to make arrangements for such a debate. It is an important issue which should be addressed and I will ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to debate the report.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan raised the matter of fitness and well-being and mentioned his visit to the Cooley Peninsula. He sought a debate on the new Sport Ireland set-up with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. I will try to facilitate these debates.