(Mayo): Will the Minister revert to my original point regarding the attractiveness of a current account type system in the post office that would compete with the banks? My belief is that if such a system was introduced, there would be a mass withdrawal of money from the banks. People would consider such a system very attractive.
To demonstrate how outmoded the post office has become and how it has failed to move with the times, one cannot pay a bill in the post office with an Access card, a Visa card or an American Express card. Such cards are not accepted because post offices make up their accounts on a weekly basis while Access, Visa and American Express operate on a monthly basis. However, they will accept payments with a Laser card.
An Post is talking about losses but it has a war chest of £168 million. Does the Minister agree this money should be used by the company to put in place a viable, energetic and imaginative development plan instead of the type of negative vibes that are emanating at present?