Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In 1983 the new postal regulations stated that delivery to every home was a condition and this was included in the legislation, at the behest of the unions who were very worried that they might lose out. That was 30 years ago and I wonder if the same should still apply. When one goes to other countries one sees post boxes at the beginning of a road or an estate, or in the centre of the town, so that people collect their own mail rather than have door to door delivery. I realise this would not be popular and is not something the postal unions would be happy to see. There is a word for another service - parcel hotel - and it is interesting to see these items dotted around. With increasing Internet shopping it does not make sense for the Internet provider to make deliveries to a home where there is nobody present during the day. That is well thought out and is something An Post could be doing - perhaps it already is.

The steps the Minister has taken and is taking, having his eye on the ball, encourages the management of An Post. There is a very strong commited team there and the public has strong confidence in it. Businesses throughout Ireland would give their eye teeth to have that sort of confidence. I wish the Minister well.