I thank the Deputy Leader for confirming that it is not only Labour Party policy but Fine Gael policy for rural Ireland to be discriminated against with regard to representation at local government level. I have a question for the Leader and perhaps the Deputy Leader could give her opinion on it. Is it the policy of the Government to close rural Ireland altogether? Is that the policy? I would be grateful for an answer. I congratulate Senator Feargal Quinn on his excellent Bill, as it shows what this House can do when we put our minds to it. I also commend my colleague, Senator Mary White.

I am sure the Senator is under some misapprehension regarding the Government's position on rural Ireland. I remind the Senator that under his party in government, 197 post offices were closed. That was the last Fianna Fáil Government.

Is there a question for the Leader?

Did Senator John Gilroy meet the postmasters?

I certainly did.

Senator John Gilroy to continue, without interruption.

It is an important point.

I explained to them that despite Fianna Fáil's scaremongering on the issue, the Government has no intention whatever of undermining the very efficient network. The Government recently invested €50 million in a contract for the post office relating to the Department of Social Protection, which is to be welcomed. One might half-expect it from Sinn Féin but it is remarkable that Fianna Fáil is competing with Sinn Féin in scaremongering in rural Ireland.

I did not say anything about post offices this morning.

It is only a matter of time.

The Senators should speak through the Chair. Is there a question for the Leader?

Senator John Gilroy is all over the shop.

It is only a matter of time before there will be negativity flowing from both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, as the local elections are coming up.

That is very negative.

They are codding people on this issue and scaremongering. Senator Diarmuid Wilson has failed to understand that democracy is about representing people and not particular areas, fields or mountains.

The Senator could remind the Tánaiste of that.

If the population of Ireland has become more urbanised in recent years, I suggest it would be good to have those people living in urban Ireland equally represented.

Forget about people.

We can ask them to turn off the lights when they emigrate.

If Fianna Fáil has a problem representing people, as opposed to codding them-----

The Senator does not seem to have a question.

-----perhaps those in the party might reflect on this.

I asked the Senator if he had a question. He is now over time.