John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I share Senator Higgins's concern about An Post services. However, as a member of the Communications Workers' Union, and that union's nominee to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Seanad I believe it is important that we get the full picture in terms of what is happening. I ask the Leader to contact the regulator in order to ensure that there is a level playing pitch. At present, a European company could establish operations here and deliver post in urban areas. However, An Post is expected to deliver to all rural locations. All that is requested is a level playing pitch which will allow people to trade on similar terms. As matters stand, that is not the case.