Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I endorse everything Deputy Burton said, especially on the value of the postal service. As she pointed out, the service is particularly valuable in rural areas, where on weekdays one can predict within an hour the time of arrival of a postman. Despite the discussions, debates and rationalisation attempts of the past 20 years, the service to the door continues in the majority of cases. Long may it do so.

I will confirm explicitly that stamps are free from VAT. I take a certain interest in stamps, having been for many years a member of the philatelic advisory committee. I welcome that the standard internal post rate of 55 cent has been maintained for many years.

See this speech in context