asked the Minister for Communications his views on the proliferation of private courier firms which is in breach of the traditional monopoly enjoyed by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Private Courier Firms.
25.
Section 63 (1) of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, gives the exclusive privilege to An Post in respect of the conveyance of postal packets within, to and from the State and the offering and performance of the service of receiving, collecting, dispatching and delivering postal packets. The monopoly does not extend to the conveyance of parcels or newspapers except in certain circumstances. Under the Act it is an offence to breach or attempt to breach the exclusive privilege of An Post.
It is a matter for An Post in the first place to ensure that the monopoly conferred on them is not breached. The company have informed me that they are keeping the situation under review and that if they secure evidence to support a prosecution under the Act they will be likely to proceed against the offender.