asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if a circular has been issued by his Department stating that seals bearing the heads of Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins on letters or postal packets will not be treated for the present as embarrassing packets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Packet Seals.
100.
The answer is "Yes".
The Inland Post Warrant 1939 (SRO No. 202 of 1939) forbids posting, conveying or delivering through the post any postal packet having anything impressed or attached to any part of the side of the packet which bears the address at which the packet is to be delivered and which may hamper officials in sorting or dealing with the packet. Such items are described technically as "embarrassing postal packets".
As there had been Press reports of very large quantities of seals having been distributed and as some had been passing through the post it was considered advisable to give guidance to postal staff who might have to deal with them.
Where did the term "embarrassing" come from?
The term "embarrassing" is used by the Post Office in a specialised way to describe packets which might bear anything on the address side that would impede officers of the Department dealing with them. It appears in the general conditions of the Inland Post Warrant of 1930.
Would the Minister suggest that the term be changed? It may be appropriate in relation to British post office practice but it is not appropriate in relation to Irish post office practice and particularly not appropriate in relation to Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins.
Is the Minister aware that seals have been used for very, very many years, seals similar in size to those bearing the heads of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith? Has the term "embarrassing" ever been used before in reference to such seals or has there ever been any query as to whether packets bearing seals should be treated as "embarrassing" packets?
Seals have been used in the past and the Department always advise that these seals should not be put on the part of the envelope which bears the address.
I take it the regulation is interpreted leniently.
It is.