I support the work that is done by post offices. In my constituency of Cork East, as in other Deputies' areas, I recognise the social values that they add to communities, whether its people utilising the services in post offices or the fact it is a very important community outlet. I acknowledge that operating a post office is an expensive undertaking but it provides a community with enormous social value. In particular, it is important for elderly people who enjoy using An Post's services. Unfortunately, we have a new dynamic in the world we are living in around national security. Some European countries have phased out having a national postal service. Having an operational full service could become quite important as the world sadly enters into a time of conflict. Something we do not think about often enough in this House is the direction the world is going in. It is sadly becoming a more dangerous place. Having a means of communication other than relying completely on our mobile phones is something we need to think about an awful lot more into the future. That is why it is important to have home delivery services through a State-run postal service in this country and ensuring that we have an active and operational well-supported post office network nationwide. I wanted to come in to make that particular point.

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