Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

It has become the custom for a Member making his or her maiden speech to thank his constituents. I thank the people of Galway East for affording me the opportunity and honour to serve them in the 31st Dáil.

As Deputy O'Reilly said, the subject of this legislation is not an issue one would tend to read on the Order Paper and on which one would decide to comment. Having been a member of Galway County Council since 2009, I am aware that this matter has been issue for some time.

Like Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, I come from a constituency that covers a vast rural area. I will comment on the role An Post has played in the rural community. Canvassing for many months, I met people who live in remote areas. In many cases the postal service is the one social connection they have. It provides an extremely important social outlet for them. During the debate on the Road Traffic Bill, the importance of the role played by the local pub in keeping a community together was mentioned. The role played by the postal service is of similar importance. I was pleased to note in the Minister's speech that the provision of a next day delivery service was mentioned on numerous occasions and I would like to ensure that continues to be provided.

I have no problem with competition as long as it is properly regulated, ensures fairness in the market and a level playing field for all. I would not want players to enter the market, take what they want out of it and the only people to lose out would be the State and the end users.

I support the work of the Minister and will put forward amendments to ensure that the Bill works as effectively as possible. I understand the important role ComReg will have in terms of this legislation. I want to ensure that this will be done properly, step by step, protecting the service for the user at the end of the boreen or road at all times. Unfortunately, in the not too distant past we saw the impact on many sectors of society of a lack of regulation. I hope that we have learned lessons from that and have started to provide a more equitable basis of regulation of services.

Despite what some Members will say, this legislation is not anti-An Post and that company will still provide a very valuable role in the future delivery of postal services. Since the start of this year other companies have been allowed to enter the market to create competition. As Deputy O'Reilly said, the seven-year term is extremely important to allow An Post a chance to change, innovate and, perhaps, become more competitive with other companies entering the market. As Deputy O'Reilly said, it would probably be helpful if An Post were given more time to do that because it will be extremely important in the context of the role it will play in the future.

We need to be tough on the new entrants to the market. A fair, balanced approach is probably the best way forward. They will have to work to the same guidelines as An Post and provide the same level of service to every member of the community, whether they live in Dublin city, Mountbellew, my home town, or wherever.

I welcome the Minister's speech. I look forward to working with him in amending sections of the legislation which require amendment. I welcome his assertion on numerous occasions that a next-day delivery service will be provided and that it is considered an extremely important part of any future postal service. He also referred to the local post office, which is a crucial social element in small towns and villages throughout the country, to the effect that it would be protected as much as is humanely possible.

I want to work with the Minister on this legislation with which I have a few issues. I want to ensure the protection of a next day delivery service at all costs and to make sure that the service user is protected in all parts of this legislation.

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