Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 61: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his position on the implementation of postcodes; the number of reports that have been commissioned on postcodes; the findings of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government advocates the introduction of a postcode system to ensure a strong competitive postal sector and to reduce costs for consumers, business and the voluntary sector.

Three reports have been commissioned to date on the introduction of postcodes. The first, published in 2005 by the Working Group on Postcodes, recommended the introduction of a postcode on the basis that, inter alia, such a system would provide efficiencies within the postal sector, boost national competitiveness and assist in the provision of public and private sector services. The second report, published in July 2006 by the National Postcodes Project Board, recommended the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland and dealt with the costs and benefits and implementation of postcodes.

The third report, carried out by external consultants, was commissioned on foot of a Government decision, to further analyse the wider benefits of a postcode system. This report is currently being examined with a view to bringing a further proposal to Government.