Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

287. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the increase in postage charges by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/16]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

290. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed increased postal charges announced by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17849/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 290 together.

While I, as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, have overall responsibility for the postal sector, issues relating to the commercial activities of An Post, including postage costs, are an operational matter for the Board and Management of the company directly and one in which I have no function.

The EU regulatory framework for the postal sector requires that the regulatory function is discharged separately from the shareholder function and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the independent body responsible for the regulation of the postal sector.

The Price Cap Mechanism was introduced by ComReg in June 2014 and this specifically enables An Post to adjust pricing in accordance with this mechanism.