Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to tackle the growing problem of postal spam, or junk mail; his views on restrictive measures against those who send unsolicited mail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26768/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The public receives a wide variety of mail from a number of sources, much of which could be regarded as unsolicited mail, including unaddressed mail material, which may be delivered by An Post or other operators. An Post is statutorily obliged under Section 12 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983 to satisfy all reasonable demands for postal services throughout the State.

Measures are already in place to manage the impact of direct mailing. Under Section 2(7) of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, individuals have the right to request that they be removed from any direct mailing lists used by businesses. Householders also have the option of limiting the amount of unsolicited mail they receive by completing a Mailing Preference Service form requesting that their names be removed from mailing lists controlled by members of the Irish Direct Marketing Association. Individuals may contact the Irish Direct Marketing Association directly or alternatively, can complete a form available from post offices. This form goes directly to the Irish Direct Marketing Association and applies to addressed mail sent by their members. I have no intention at this time to introduce additional measures in respect of direct mailing.