Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I share many of the concerns Mr. McDonnell has outlined and many of the concerns outlined in the report. I have asked questions about Eircode and I have not got convincing answers from the Department. The first question I asked was about the purpose of introducing this system. Normally, when one is doing any sort of a technical specification, one first undertakes a functional specification and identifies the problem one is trying to resolve. Other than getting vague statements such as "It would be the most up-to-date postcode system in the world", I cannot get an answer to that simple question: what problem is this postcode system attempting to solve? I see no evidence of any independent trial of this structure. Normally such a fundamental piece of infrastructure would be tested in a small pilot area before it is implemented nationally.

I am also concerned about the cost and the over-reliance on management consultants to deliver what should be a fairly straightforward piece of infrastructure. I am concerned that we may have another Irish Water on our hands. I very much share Mr. O'Donnell's concerns. Even at this late stage, it behoves us as a committee to ask very serious questions.