asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, having regard to the inadequate accommodation, particularly on days when social welfare payments are being made, in Walkinstown Post Office, Dublin, he will state the steps which are being taken to provide alternative premises there; and when a new post office is likely to be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Walkinstown (Dublin) Post Office.
39.
Mr. Ryan
No steps are being taken by my Department regarding the provision of alternative premises for Walkinstown sub-post office as the existing premises afford adequate accommodation for the volume of business normally transacted there. I understand however that the subpostmaster wishes to obtain alternative premises for the office and that he hopes to provide such premises in the not too distant future.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister like to define what he means by "business normally transacted"? Does he consider that the paying out of pensions is a normal transaction? Is the Minister aware that on a pension day the people have to queue outside because the premises are too small?
My information is entirely different from what the Deputy has suggested in his supplementary question. This office is managed by a very efficient subpostmaster.
Mr. Ryan
Agreed, yes.
He has adequate staff; he has adequate premises. I had a special check made on this office on the days on which pensions and allowances are paid and there were not more than three people at any one time in this office awaiting payment.
Mr. Ryan
Yes, but how many were outside? I am quite certain there were only three inside, but how many were outside?