Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The problem I have relates to the contract duration which I would like to see increased from seven years to 20. Section 17(1) states: "An Post is designated as the universal postal service provider for a period of 7 years beginning on the commencement date". That is unfair and an extraordinary short period to deal with the business in hand. I have examined recent major contracts. For example, the contract granted for the National Aquatic Centre is for almost 30 years; the M50 toll bridge, 30 years; the N6, Galway-Ballinalsoe, 30 years; and the N4-N6 Kinnegad bypass, 30 years. To make a provision such as this operational, it is unfair to restrict the contract to seven years. I have picked a figure of 20 years because that is closer to what has been the standard figure in the private sector for similar arrangements in recent times.