Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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808. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on plans to roll out a national postcode system; the benefits of such a system; the anticipated cost of the introduction of postcodes; the timeline for the delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38049/13]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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809. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to avail of the opportunity of the introduction of a new postcode system here to assist retailers selling goods online by allowing the postcode system be harnessed for the prevention of online fraud, as happens in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38050/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 808 and 809 together.

The process to select a postcode management licence holder to implement a National Postcode System is on-going. Intensive work has taken place on what is an complex national project and the procurement process has now entered the final stage. The final decision to proceed with implementation of a National Postcode System will be for decision by Government in due course and will be based on appropriate financial, technical and operational considerations. There has been widespread support from public and private business for the introduction of postcodes nationally. Following stakeholder consultations in 2010 the key general areas where benefits could be derived from a National Postcode System were identified as being:

- Improved efficiency and accuracy of internal business processes as a result of improved accuracy and consistency of databases across public and private sectors;

- Delivery of improved efficiencies with regards to logistics (including emergency service response);

- Better planning and analysis capabilities across public and private sectors;

- Providing a stimulus to mail volumes through improved direct marketing capabilities;

- Enabling organisations to improve existing services and/or develop new service offerings; and

- Facilitating improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector.