Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Postal Charges.

Liz McManus

Question:

398 Ms. McManus asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the difference in cost between postage from EC countries to Ireland and postage from Ireland to EC countries; and the steps, if any, he intends to take to rectify this situation.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

An Post's postal charges for lettermail have not been increased since April 1991. I am aware, however, that our postal charges are still high relative to certain EC countries, including the UK and that we rank joint fifth in the EC league table.

An Post's charges are a reflection of the company's high operating costs. These high costs are one of the reasons for the company's current difficulties. Recovery proposals have been drawn up by An Post with the objective of reducing its operational costs and restoring the company to financial health. While some progress has already been made, considerable further progress in implementing cost reduction measures remains to be achieved by An Post.