asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the average delay in the delivery of second class mail; if he has received any complaints about undue delay in this regard and, if so, the action taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Mail Delivery.
46.
In normal circumstances, second class mail gets much the same standard of service as fully paid letter mail; that is, about 90 per cent of correspondence posted in time for the outgoing despatch at the place of posting to addresses within the State are due for delivery by the following working day. The remainder would be due for delivery on the second working day after posting. However, under the Post Office Acts, 1908 to 1969, it is permissible to defer the handling of second class mail if it is necessary to do so in order to avoid delay to first class mail. In practice, this power is seldom resorted to at present to any extent.
The Deputy recently brought to my notice a case of delay to a batch of circular matter posted on Friday, 29th June last. I find that, around that date, the necessity to defer handling of a certain amount of second class mail, including the circular matter in question, did arise as a result of exceptionally heavy postings apparently made in anticipation of the increases in postage rates from 1st July and some unexpected staff absences. I am communicating with the Deputy in this matter.