Hundreds of postmasters many from Co Tipperary, have been preparing to march to the Dail this evening as they highlight what they see as an increasing threat to the future of the post office network. 

Meanwhile, the union representing them, the Irish Postmaster's Union has today addressed the Communications Committee.

Those present at the meeting were told that despite the Department of Social Protection having awarded An Post with the contract for social welfare payments, the government is still urging people towards using bank accounts to get their payments. 

Speaking at a hearing, the union's general secretary Brian McGann said that TDs must vote to support post offices or face damaging rural communities.

The vote is due to take place in the Dail today following the introduction of a motion by South tipperary TD Seamus Healy yesterday.

It  was introduced on behalf of the technical group and calls for the government to implement measures that will support post offices and make the post office network sustainable into the future. 

South  Tipperary  Independent TD Seamus Healy is to raise the threat to the ambulance service in Cashel at today's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Commitee.

There are concerns that the HSE plans to remove one of the two ambulance services from the base at Our Lady's Hospital in Cashel.

Today, Depity Hely confirmed his support for the campaign to retain both ambulances adding that he will raise the whole issue of South Tipperary's ambulance service at today's meeting of the Health Commitee. 

Meanwhile paramedics will join members of the HSE and Siptu at the Oireachtas Health Commitee where the issue of ambulance reponse times will be under discussion.

The meeting is part of a review ordered by the health minister after a report found that response time targets were being missed on a considerable basis.