Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

This links into what I term the social advantage. The employment issues speak for themselves. As far as I am aware everybody currently employed in the postal service is engaged in the delivery of mail. I do not believe there is anybody hiding in a hedge waiting for time to pass. All the postmen I know are out from early morning until late at night delivering mail because of the increase in volume at this time. This and the fact that everybody wants to stop and talk to the postman results in delays.

This legislation should ensure that the regulator is answerable to the Minister and the Oireachtas on key matters such as the USO, which has national implications. Other legislation has been enacted which provides for outside interference or ministerial control. The National Roads Authority and Health Service Executive are not answerable to anybody and despite our having regulation of the credit union sector, credit unions are unable to appeal decisions to anybody. It is important we maintain some control in this area, even it is by way of committee scrutiny.