Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

I am certain all Members agree that An Post provides an excellent service, both in respect of the service it is compelled to provide and in respect of its social role in maintaining contact with people, particularly those who are more isolated from the general community. I am somewhat puzzled by the decision of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to take a case against An Post on the grounds that it is failing to fulfil its target of next-day delivery. In the ten years I have been a Member of this House I have received many complaints about ComReg, but I can honestly state I have received no complaint about An Post. According to sources within An Post, ComReg has refused to state where the alleged failures are and has not provided hints as to how matters might improve. Instead, it appears this case will potentially be the cause of the imposition of a €12 million fine on An Post, which would be detrimental to it as a service provider. What is the Minister's view on the case being taken? Does he agree ComReg has once again highlighted its deficiencies as a regulator?

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