John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House as we put the final piece of the jigsaw in place to finally give Ireland its own postcode system. We are not reinventing the wheel but this system is not before its time. We are the only country in the OECD without our own postcode system. Given that we pride ourselves on being a progressive, thriving and smart economy, I cannot believe it has taken so long to develop the system. The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications held hearings on the matter to allow various groups to raise issues about the process. I listened carefully to those who expressed concerns and opposing views but I still cannot understand how this postcode system could be opposed. The process of developing it was thorough and onerous and the system as devised is robust and meets high standards.

I welcome that the Minister has decided to take a belt and braces approach with this legislation to ensure security of the data protection system. The Bill before us will address any remaining concerns in this regard and it paves the way for the roll-out of the new postcode system this summer. Most people will welcome postcodes, particularly those involved in businesses or logistics. As someone who lives in rural Ireland, I answer my door every day to people who have called to the wrong address. People living in the countryside often facilitate each other by accepting deliveries on behalf of their neighbours. This can be a nuisance if one is waiting on a delivery, however, because it can cause delays. On a more serious note, it can also delay emergency services. Ambulances and fire services are dispatched through a centralised system. The system is not without its shortcomings, one of which is the lack of local knowledge. I have first-hand experience of fire tenders and ambulances being directed to the wrong location because of the lack of a detailed address. Time delays can have dire consequences but I hope the new postcode system will be embraced by the emergency services and ensures a prompt and precise response to calls. This system can save lives if it is used effectively.

There was unnecessary confusion over the roll-out and ownership of the new system. The legislation provides clearly that the postcode system will remain the property of the State and postcodes will be free to members of the public.