Leo Varadkar, TD

I thank the Minister of State for taking this debate. The decision by the Department of Social Protection to issue a new tender this coming September for paying social welfare benefits could, if implemented, see the closure of up to 400 post offices. This would have a devastating effect on rural communities. Bank branches in rural areas have already closed. I am concerned that this will continue not only in many villages, but also in substantial towns. It is possible that, within a few years, bank branches will only be located in cities and large provincial towns.

Irish Seafood Exports Increase by Over 20% in 2012.

Deputy Áine Collins yesterday asked the Minister for Social Protection to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before introducing a new tender process which would see social welfare cash payments being changed. Deputy Collins expressed concern regarding the changes in the payments process saying that they would “have a devastating effect on post offices and rural communities”. Speaking in the Dáil she said “We need to open a discussion on what type of society we want. Anyone who tried to shout "Stop" about the property bubble was ignored or ridiculed. We must not make the same mistake now and not shout "Stop" about changes that have the potential to rip the heart out of communities throughout the country.