asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the stamp slot machine at Roscrea post office is most unreliable inasmuch as that when money is inserted very often no stamps appear in return; if he is aware that on 16th November last it was out of order and that several people inserted money without return and that three times prior to this date the same position existed; if he will state how his Department proposes to refund such money and if he will take steps to have the machine removed forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscrea Stamp Machine.
I am not aware that the stamp-vending machines at Roscrea post office are unreliable. They are of the most modern type and when properly operated by the public I am satisfied that they give efficient service. I do not propose, therefore, to have them removed.
On such occasions as they are not properly operated, and as a result members of the public do not obtain stamps in respect of coins which have been inserted, they, on application at the post office, obtain a refund.
Is the Minister aware that the machine at Roscrea post office is known as the local fraud, and that on numerous occasion representations have been made to the local postmaster either to have the machine removed entirely or have it put into a proper state of repair? Is the Minister aware that when money is inserted stamps will not appear, and could something be done about it?
That would be contrary to ministerial policy.
And what is done with the money that is inserted when no stamps are returned for it?
If the Deputy really means to take the time of the House to discuss the stamp-vending machine at Roscrea I shall give him the information, and it is that we have very few complaints about this machine and some of them are due to the fact that the stamps are torn off roughly. Quite a number of complaints were due to the fact that people expected to get a stamp from the 2d. machine when they inserted only one penny.
That is quite untrue. Further arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the stamp-vending machine at Roscrea has been out of order for three evenings in the one week and does the Minister not consider, when we say this machine has been out of order for three days, that some action should be taken to safeguard the general public against fraud?
A lead penny is what you want.
I wish to raise this matter on the adjournment. It may be only a penny or twopence but it is fraud.