I call Senator McFadden.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I rise today to raise the issue of the possible threat of closure-----

I am sorry, it should have been the turn of the Labour group next.

Go ahead.

Senator McFadden has started.

I call Senator Humphreys. I think I was distracted by the longevity of the previous speaker's contribution.

I will keep it short. It is an issue I have raised in the House on numerous occasions. This morning in the papers we read about the shortage of rental accommodation across Dublin. Since records started it is the lowest number of vacancies in the Dublin region. I have raised the issue of long-term rental apartments that have moved to the short-term rental market. We have referred to Airbnb, perhaps to the discredit of Airbnb because there are several companies doing this across Dublin. Between 3,000 and 5,000 units, which were rented by ordinary working people in a one-year or two-year lease, have now moved to the short-term rental market. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to address this issue. I am not seeking a general debate on how we can address it.

The Minister has written to the local authorities on planning enforcement. The letter stated that where it was brought to the attention of the local authorities they would take action. We need to be more proactive than that. It has been reported in the media that the Minister is trying to work out a voluntary code with those agencies. Voluntary codes have not worked across Europe or in the United States. Legislation had to be put in place. When such legislation was put into place in Berlin, 40% of the units being used as short-term lets moved back into the normal market. If we take the highest figure for short-term lets, 5,000, and get over 2,500 back into the long-term rental market, it would make a substantial impact on the available accommodation in the Dublin region and would also bring rents down. I have given the Minister adequate time to discuss this with the local authorities. He has also discussed a voluntary code with the companies in question.

The time for action has passed. I do not want to introduce a Private Members' Bill as it would get bogged down on the various Stages, but with co-operation between the House and the Minister we could respond in a responsible manner to deliver low-hanging fruit of approximately 2,500 units of additional accommodation throughout the city. This could be applied, in turn, in Cork, Limerick and Galway where the figures are not the same but where the problem is also having a substantial impact. I ask the Leader to oblige and request the Minister to come to the House as soon as possible to discuss this issue and see whether we can work together to find a solution. I understand it involves choices. We must decide whether apartments are to be built to provide accommodation for working people or tourists. I opt for people who are in work and need accommodation rather than tourists. We need to have this issue addressed quickly.

I apologise to Senator Gabrielle McFadden for the false start earlier.

That is all right. I thank the Cathaoirleach.

I refer to the threat of possible closure of the Athlone mail centre which is owned by An Post. There is a lot of uncertainty and worry locally following the recent announcements made by the chief executive of An Post when he addressed the Communications Workers Union. I have written to him to ask that he issue a statement to provide clarity on the issue and repeat that call today. People everywhere are aware that An Post faces huge financial difficulties and that changes are absolutely necessary. However, causing uncertainty, worry and stress to workers is not the best way to engage them in a process that might deliver change. The last thing that is needed is a threat. What is needed is a positive vision. The only way for An Post to successfully meet the challenges of an increasingly digital world is to put in place a strategy to develop and grow its business. DPD in Athlone is an example in that regard. It has developed its business which is the same as that of An Post and is doing very well. There are 180 full-time and part-time workers in the mail centre in Athlone which was purpose built almost 14 years ago. As everybody knows, Athlone is located between Dublin and Galway; therefore, it is well placed strategically. Not only does it serve the midlands, it is also the gateway to the west. For the past five years the mail centre in Athlone has been named the top mail centre in Ireland and An Post is investing money in upgrading its equipment. The staff are very committed and experienced and understand the difficulties facing An Post. We must take advantage of the positives to build a secure future for the facility and An Post. I ask Mr. McRedmond, its chief executive, to remove any uncertainty and reassure workers by making a statement in support from the management of An Post to staff of the mail centre without delay. I also call on the Minister, Deputy Denis Naughten, to get behind the campaign to fight for the retention of the Athlone mail centre. I urge the Leader to raise the matter with him.