Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim céad fáilte roimh an Aire. Is breá an rud é a fheiceáil arís sa Teach seo. Tá an cheist atá á ardú agam inniu ag dul siar roinnt mhaith blianta, ach nílim ag cur an locht faoi sin ar an Aire. Bhí caint ar an cheist seo i bhfad sula dtáinig sé isteach i rialtas. Baineann an cheist leis na cóid poist atá beartaithe don tír seo.

The post code scenario in this State is a long-standing issue. A review has been undertaken and we have had promises since 2006 of a new post code system. I am seeking an update on the current position. What type of format in terms of a postal system is being considered and what headway has been made thus far by the post code project board? From a technology perspective, much has changed since it was first mooted that we might move to a letters and numbers system similar to that used in the UK. Have changes in technology, such as Sat Nav and GPS, been taken into account by the post code project board?

One of the issues traditionally raised in this context is whether logainmneacha, placenames, will be recognised in whatever coding system will be used so that due deference will be given to the Irish language version of a placename in the system. Is the Minister happy that the tender process for this new system has been open, transparent and completely above board? I have received correspondence to the effect that former members of the post code project board are involved in some of the organisations named as preferred suppliers. I would welcome the Minister's views on that issue. Obviously, questions arise if people who were members of the board laying down the criteria are now involved in organisations who are the preferred suppliers of the new post code system.

Tá fáilte roimh an Aire agus tá súil agam go mbeidh freagraí dearfacha aige. Seo rud atá ag teastáil go géar, go háirithe sna ceantair tuaithe. Tá sé fíor thábhachtach go mbeidh pé cód nó córas atá i bhfeidhm ábalta tithe a aimsiú díreach, mar shampla mar tá courier ag teacht go Cárna, An Cheathrú Rua nó Leitir Mulláin, leis an beart nó litir atá á seachadadh a thabhairt go dtí na daoine cóir.