Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Indeed. I thought the Leas-Chathaoirleach might have a passing interest in it. If someone was pitching to supply a postal service to Roscommon - this is not a complete example as it is an imperfect argument in one sense but the core of it is correct - at the moment when one posts a letter in Athlone to be delivered in Keel on Achill Island or to Inishturk, it costs the same amount as a letter to be delivered up the street in Athlone. If someone pitches for the delivery of a postal service in Athlone or Roscommon, obviously there is far less cost involved in doing that than the cost on the universal provider to do the whole of that area because it has to go up hill, down dale and cross water where that is necessary. We must ensure the cost is taken into consideration. I do not say how it should be done. That is not something we could do. However, we should ensure fairness and that the cost is taken into account.

Currently, in the case of two letters to be delivered by An Post, one to Inishturk and the other to Tarmonbarry, the first place out the road, or wherever it happens to be, there is obviously a significant difference in cost, but the same universal cost applies to the stamp. I urge the Minister to ensure that valid protection is given to the universal service provider, in this case An Post. We should recognise the investment it has made in the service and take that into consideration in sorting out any disputes between An Post and someone who is not the universal service provider pitching for business in an area.