Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

While I thank the Senator for tabling it, I am afraid I do not propose to accept the amendment and will explain why. The term "distribution centre" is only used in section 6 which defines the terms "distribution" and "postal network". The term "distribution centre" is not defined in the directive and it is not proposed to define it in the Bill as it is unnecessary to do so. No decisions or actions are dependent on its definition. If we were to define "distribution centre", it could potentially be restrictive, as it is not possible to predict future work arrangements of postal service providers. As the Senator said, we will discuss section 28, under which there is a mechanism, where agreement cannot be reached on how access can be provided by the universal postal service provider, for ComReg to resolve the issue by imposing certain terms and conditions but in so doing to take reasonableness into account. It will be difficult for us to predict how the new postal networks will be configured in the future. If we were too restrictive, therefore, it might tie the hands of An Post or other providers in a way which would not be beneficial. As a consequence, I do not propose to accept the amendment.