Mr. Liam O'Sullivan:

Some of the questions were related to An Post. To confirm, we will be using the Eircode system in all of our mail operations. We have four large automated mail centres. We have in excess of 350 delivery units of various size around the country. We will definitely be using every element of the Eircode system in sorting letters, packages and parcels. Whether we sort them using machinery or by hand, we will definitely be using the Eircode system.

It is possible for anybody to check his or her correct postal address on the An Post website. Once the Eircode system is launched, we will be adding it in order that all members of the public will be able to verify their Eircode free of charge. Our intention is to ensure it will becomes integral to how we run our mail operations, as is the norm in many other countries where the postal operator uses a postcode in its business and we will do the same.

On the issue of stickers on items, next day delivery is hugely important for An Post. We have a stretching target of 94% for next day delivery. We are exceeding that figure in the year to date in that we are running at 98%. We have had many initiatives during the years to try to improve on the levels not quite reaching the target. A recurring theme among the group is consistency of addresses. It is a service we provide. Where mail is not correctly addressed and there are elements missing, we put stickers on it advising people of the correct address.