The Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Finian McGrath, has a longstanding passion, commitment and interest in cystic fibrosis and those who have the condition. I commend him and the Minister for Health on developments in respect of the Orkambi drug. Many people will be very relieved today and others who will be diagnosed with the condition will take comfort as a result of what has been done.

The water issue has been raised. In December 2014, I spoke on "Morning Ireland" on the day after the "Prime Time" investigation featuring bungalow 3 in Áras Attracta in Swinford. A major water protest was held the following morning. The question that struck me that day was when we, as a country, would deal with the major issues we face, given that people in a nursing home were being rounded on by others whose role was to care for, protect and support them. I do not wish to detract from the concern and passion people have about water or their ability to pay water charges or otherwise. I plead with all Members in both Houses to get back to the work of ensuring we have proper public and social services, especially in the area of disabilities. Senator Ó Ríordáin made this point in respect of children.

I was honoured and surprised to be elected to the Seanad at this time last year. Since then, many individuals with disabilities, their families and supporters and members of disability groups have visited the House. Those with whom I have spoken have said they found all of the staff of the Oireachtas, including ushers, porters and catering staff, to be highly thoughtful and accommodating. It is important to mention this because this campus is old and not especially accessible with modern and old elements. The people who work and serve here go a long way to make it more welcoming and comfortable, for which I thank them.

I also welcome the deal that has been struck on cystic fibrosis drugs, particularly Orkambi. It will provide welcome relief to a particular cohort of cystic fibrosis sufferers who will benefit from the drug. It also shows that we must stand up to drugs companies. In that regard, I compliment those who negotiated with the companies in question to achieve an acceptable deal in terms of cost.

I raise the issue of post offices. The suggestion that half of all post offices could face closure creates fear throughout rural Ireland and among those who are aware of the value of the post office network. Post offices are crying out for investment and diversification of services. I am heartened to note the interest the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, has shown in this issue, in particular, the hope he expressed that further services will be rolled out shortly once broadband becomes available throughout the network.

We must consider practical business. We have heard a great deal over the years about post offices providing banking and other services. Reports have been produced and action has been promised for years. We have reached a crunch point and we must stop talking about how great the post office network is because every change to date has involved diminishing post office services or shutting down branches on an ad hoc basis. We must be honest and put everything on the table. Post offices should examine the possibility of assuming responsibility for compiling the register of electors. In many cases, local authorities have been unable to do this job, creating a gap in the register. Postmasters and postmistresses have a great deal of local information which could be valuable in this regard.

As I have stated before, post offices should be allowed to provide driver licence services similar to the passport express service they currently provide. This is not rocket science and I hope there will be an impetus to take many of the steps required for post offices now that the writing seems to be on the wall and An Post's plans have become known. Notwithstanding its commercial mandate, An Post, as a State company, must play its part.