asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs is he aware of the inconvenience being caused to householders in the Willow Vale, Cooleven, Pinewood and Ashlawn Park areas in the district of Ballybrack, County Dublin, by the delivery of post at 11.30 a.m.; the action, if any, he intends to take to restore these areas to the original 7 a.m. delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Postal Deliveries.
21.
Deliveries to the places mentioned, which are part of a newly developed area, are at present later than is usual. Restoration of earlier deliveries would be excessively costly, as they would in present circumstances involve overtime payments. However, delivery arrangements in the area will be regularly reviewed and the possibility of providing earlier deliveries will be kept under consideration.
Can the Minister state what the extra cost involved would be and is the Minister aware of the serious inconvenience caused to thousands of people in the area because of late deliveries?
I do not have the information of the cost before me except to say that the first delivery was provided by employing overtime postmen whose regular duties commenced earlier in the day. The alternative to allowing overtime would be two additional full-time posts for each of which there would be only about 20 hours work a week. I will communicate with the Deputy and give him the exact figures of the cost involved. I am sorry I do not have the cost now.
Would the Minister——
I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy, but I find I have the figure. The overtime would cost approximately £5,000 a year.
Would the Minister consider the possibility of employing an extra postman on that particular route? He will agree there is a wide disparity between 11 a.m. and 7.30 a.m.
As I indicated, we are keeping deliveries in the area under review. I will certainly have the Deputy's suggestion considered. The Deputy will understand, I am sure, that my Department are concerned with the conflicting problem of maintaining services and at the same time effecting maximum economy in the cost of postal services. That is a matter of concern here as it is a matter of concern in other countries. That concern has been voiced from the benches opposite. Unfortunately, when any particular economies are put into force there are, naturally enough, complaints. However, I will keep the situation under review.
I think keeping the situation under review is just a method of putting off a decision. When the Minister has examined my proposal will he kindly communicate with me?
Certainly.
Questions Nos. 22 and 23 are withdrawn.