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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 May 1971

Vol. 253 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Postal Services.

46.

asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the reasons for the deterioration in the Dublin postal services; why, in particular, it now frequently takes two days for letters posted in Dublin to reach Dublin destinations; the number of postmen employed in 1965 and now in the Dublin postal district; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am not aware of the deterioration in the Dublin postal services alleged by the Deputy. However, if particulars of cases in which delay to the extent mentioned has occurred are furnished by the Deputy I will have them specially investigated.

The number of postmen employed in Dublin postal district in 1965 was 1,046 and now is 1,383.

I am tempted to ask if the Minister is serious when he says he is not aware of any deterioration in the postal service in Dublin. I have underestimated the position in the question. It is not now infrequent for letters posted in the Dublin postal district to take three or four days to arrive. This situation is developing at a rapid rate and the private and business community can no longer depend on the postal service effecting delivery within 48 hours. I would urge the Minister not to shelter behind evasive replies but to do something about this deplorable situation.

I cannot accept the allegations made by Deputy Ryan. If he has any specific details of delays which either he or anybody he knows has experienced I shall be only too happy to have the matter examined.

Members of this House are receiving copies of the Order Paper the day after they were supposed to be originally delivered.

If they were posted in time I can assure the Deputy they would be delivered the following morning.

It is getting out of hand. It is deplorable.

I cannot agree with the Deputy.

The Minister does not know. He is doing nothing about it.

Would the Minister consider reintroducing Saturday postal services to alleviate the position? There are delays always occurring in the delivery of letters from hospitals and other such institutions which could be of great importance.

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