asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he is aware that better mail collection and delivery services are available to a person who posts one letter per annum than are available to firms with franking machines spending over £1,000 per year on postage; and if he will introduce as a matter of urgency an improved service for persons using franking machines.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Services.
126.
I presume that the Deputy has in mind, in regard to collections, that users of franking machines are normally required to hand in franked correspondence at a post office. This is necessary for control and operational reasons. However, such users can arrange to have their correspondence collected from their premises under the same conditions as other users of the post. Firms using franking machines get the same quality of delivery service as others in their area.
Is the Minister aware that franked post has to be packed, sorted and handed in over the counter at specified post offices? Is he further aware that these specified offices normally close at 1 p.m. on one day per week and that there is no service on Saturday or Sunday? If anybody puts a letter into a letter box at any hour up to 12 midnight on Sunday night with or without a stamp it will be delivered on Monday morning. Does the Minister consider this is a comparable service to what is given to the person who puts a stamp on an envelope, or, perhaps, does not even put a stamp on an envelope?
Is the Deputy suggesting that big business should get preferential treatment to what the man in the street gets?
The Minister is obviously getting smart about this. Does the Minister consider these people are entitled to a comparable service to what is given to those who use stamps?
They do not have to lick them anyway.
They do not have to thank the Minister for that. I would like the Minister to answer the supplementary question. The Minister is not answering, but is just being smart.
The Chair has no control over the type of answer the Minister gives.
Perhaps the Minister would be prepared to discuss this on the Adjournment. I would like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair must inform the Deputy that there is already a question on the Adjournment.
It can always be discussed next week if the Minister is prepared to discuss it.
I am not trying to be smart. I will be available for that discussion if the Deputy wishes it.