Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding liberalisation of the postal market in 2011; his views on the decision in July 2009 to end all weekend collection of mail; if his attention has been drawn to the changes in the volume of mail posted; his further views on the effect this decision will have on next day delivery targets; the current next day delivery target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35498/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Irish postal market is due to be liberalised from 1st January 2011 as set out in the 3rd EU Postal Directive. My Department is currently developing a regulatory framework dealing with the key issues to be decided in transposing the Directive into Irish law by the end of 2010. The initial consultation process has been completed and the views submitted as well as the experiences of other countries are being examined to inform the development of the framework. Following this, the necessary legislation will be prepared.

In the case of An Post, it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focused network of post offices. Decisions taken in relation to the collection of mail are a matter for the Board and management of the company, An Post, and one in which I have no direct role. In relation to the issues of mail volumes and compliance with next day delivery targets, these are also a matter for the company. In addition, the postal regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg), is responsible for the monitoring and measuring of levels of service achieved by An Post and ensuring that the company complies with its statutory universal service obligations. Data regarding delivery targets can be obtained directly from An Post or ComReg.