Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if An Post’s decision to tender for a national post code system presents potential conflict of interest issues in view of their stated opposition to the system as a result of the benefits which could be accrued to private commercial marketing companies to the detriment of An Post; if he is concerned that the necessary incentives for a speedy rollout of the national post code system which has been promised for seven years may not be present if An Post were to get the contract in view of the competitive damage that will inevitably be caused to An Post from a roll out of this system; if he will confirm whether as part of the tendering process for the roll out of the new national post code system it includes assessments of whether any potential conflict of interests could arise similar to National Assets Managment Agency tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55844/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The procurement process for a national postcode system is currently under way. This process is being managed by my Department on a ring fenced basis. The pre-qualification questionnaire issued on the e-tenders website on 17 January 2011 for the appointment of a postcode management licence holder. This offered the opportunity for all potential suppliers at that time to apply for the contract and asked for a declaration of any relevant conflicts which might impinge on the process.

I have no indication that the issues referred to by the Deputy are relevant in any way to the conduct of the current procurement.