Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on reports from the UK that deregulation of the postal market had delivered no benefits to most customers and put the finances of the State owned postal company under strain; if there are lessons to be learned from the UK experience; if so, the steps he will take to address them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4376/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans that have been agreed to transpose the third directive on postal liberalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4377/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.

The Irish postal market is due to be liberalised from 1 January 2011 as set out in the third EU Postal Directive. My Department is currently developing a framework dealing with the key issues to be decided in transposing the Directive into Irish law by the end of next year. The initial consultation process has been completed and the experiences of other countries, including the findings of the reports referred to by the Deputy are being examined to inform the development of the framework. Following this the necessary legislation will be prepared. My priority is to facilitate competition and the provision of high-quality, competitively priced postal services whilst ensuring the protection of the universal service in a liberalised market so that all postal consumers will have access to a basic, high quality suite of services.