Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise on behalf of Senator McDowell who is unable to come to the House as he has been detained elsewhere unfortunately.

The Bill seeks to remove the powers available to the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to decide on a price cap for postal charges in circumstances in which ComReg deems that there is no effective competition in the market. These powers are contained in section 30 of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act 2011 which the Bill seeks to repeal.

Having listened to the Minister's contribution, I do not propose to speak in detail about the problems in An Post, including post office closures. We will discuss these matters on another occasion. I am advised by Senator McDowell that he wishes to put this amendment to a vote, although that decision is one for the House. There were few Senators present to hear the Minister set out his stall but perhaps more will come later. I respect the views expressed by the Minister and I have little to add to them. Senator McDowell has given this matter some consideration. There has been substantial correspondence on this issue, on which people take different views. I await the Minister's response.