Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on ComReg's finding that only 77% of mail was delivered within one working day in 2007 compared to the target of 94%; his further views on whether this is an acceptable level of next day delivery; if he plans to give more powers to ComReg to enforce delivery targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Matters relating to quality and levels of postal service are a matter in the first instance for the management and board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. In addition, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the 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.

In relation to the matter of additional powers being given to ComReg to enforce its delivery targets, I will shortly amend the postal regulations using powers conferred on me by the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007. Once amended, these regulations will permit ComReg to apply to the High Court for the application of a financial penalty to An Post, as universal service provider, in the event that the company fails to comply with a direction issued by the regulator including in relation to quality of service targets. In my meetings I have had with the company I have taken the opportunity to support the service level targets that have been set and encouraged An Post to be innovative in the development of its operations to make sure the targets are met.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 76.