Dáil debates
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage
1:00 pm
Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
This is my first time to speak in the Chamber and the first time in the history of the State that someone from the Beara Peninsula has had the honour of gracing this House. To put the peninsula into context, it is the same size as County Louth. I also declare my interest in the legislation in that I run a post office, although I am not directly employed by An Post.
I welcome the provision in the Bill for a universal service obligation but the important question is who will pay for it. The Bill requires that An Post or another designated company will be required to pay for the obligation. We will have to strengthen this provision because otherwise the Exchequer may be forced to copperfasten the obligation to deliver to rural and peripheral areas and the islands.
Barry Mahon
Posted on 2 Apr 2011 7:45 am (Report this comment)
As regards the universal service obligation (USO) for the future postal service, it is essential that provision be made to ensure that postal services are continued in rural areas. For the telecomms area, a USO is supposed to exist. However, even though basic telephone service is provided, in many rural areas the equipment has not been provided for upgraded broadband access to the internet. In addition, there are delays in the provision of technical support.
USO will only ensure a basic service, yet to be defined. There will be no improvement in the USO unless it is a requirement that USO is reviewed at regular intervals and new provisions enacted.
Barry Mahon, Sherkin Island