Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the post offices which have closed in 2006; his views on a separate new regulator for An Post and other postal operators, in view of the unique features of the postal market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20648/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the provisions of S.I. 616 of 2002 European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations, is responsible for the monitoring, measurement and regulation of the postal sector including measuring the levels of service to be achieved by An Post and ensuring that the company abides by its statutory universal service obligations. ComReg is responsible for monitoring An Post's quality of service performance and for setting and publishing quality of service standards.

On the issue of a separate new regulator for the postal sector, I have no intention at this time of making any changes to the designation of ComReg as the postal regulator. The model of a joint regulator for the telecommunications and postal sectors is common one throughout Europe, especially for the smaller countries where the scale does not exist to justify a separate regulator for each sector.

Finally, the day-to-day operation of the post office network, including expansion, is an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post. The table outlines the information requested on the post offices that have closed in 2006.