Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his preferred options for the provision of postal services in the future with particular reference to the role or extended role he sees for An Post, the inclusion of a PSO, the need to ensure a fast, efficient and cost-effective letter and parcel delivery service in all areas throughout the country without exception and the need to comply with regulatory and competition rules; his views on the optimum number of post offices required; his intentions for the upgrading of the maximum number of post offices with a view to delivery of a wider and first class service to the consumer; if he has given instructions to the regulator or An Post with a view to achieving these objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39110/06]

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