Vol. 437 No. 1
110 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will introduce a freepost system for people wishing to write to Government Departments, public representatives and local authorities, to encourage greater participation in national and local democracy.
An Post has a statutory obligation, imposed by section 13 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, to operate on a commercial basis, and maintain financial viability.
The postal costs which would be incurred by the introduction of a general freepost system for people wishing to write to Government Departments, public representatives and local authorities would have to be paid to An Post by the various bodies receiving letters under such a system. At present Government Departments and local authorities may avail of An Post's Business Reply Service, using specifically approved envelopes which do not need a stamp or An Post's Freepost, which uses a Freepost address and for which no stamp is required. Licensees offering these services must pay the postage plus handling charge for each item received. There is already an extensive use of these services in particular areas of central and local government.
The decision on whether or not to offer a Business Reply or Freepost Service is a matter in the first instance for the individual bodies concerned.
