asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that recently it has taken four days for the Post Office to convey a letter from Tallow, County Waterford, to Youghal, a distance of 11 miles; and whether he will examine the postal services in this area with a view to determining whether or not they are adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Postal Services.
I am not aware that undue delay takes place in the transmission of correspondence from Tallow to Youghal. Letters posted up to 10.15 a.m. at Tallow are due for delivery in Youghal at 8.30 a.m. next morning. If the Deputy will send me the cover of any letter which has been delayed, I will have special inquiry made.
As regards the second part of the question, I have recently had the mail arrangements at offices on the Mallow-Waterford section examined and I am satisfied that the present services are the most satisfactory that can be afforded while the restrictions in railway transport continue.
In specific complaints of this nature it is desirable that persons whose correspondence has been delayed should place the facts at the disposal of the Department as quickly as possible in order to facilitate the necessary inquiries.
While appreciating the propriety of giving the Minister particulars of any individual case, is he aware that certain persons who avail of the services in that area have found recently that there has been protracted delay in the delivery of letters and that parcels on that route have suffered unreasonable damage, and will he cause special inquiries to be made in order to ascertain if any miscarriage has taken place of which he is not fully informed? That is my opinion.
The Deputy has raised another question, concerning damage to parcels, and I will be glad if he gives me any details he has of the particular parcels. That is the only thing we would have to go on.
I shall send the Minister the correspondence.
Very well.