Vol. 524 No. 2
173 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's position in relation to the liberalisation of postal services across the EU by 2003; the safeguards which will be put in place at EU level to protect the universal service provided in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22323/00]
The European Commission has recently published proposals to amend the 1997 EU postal directive. These include proposals to reduce the maximum tariff and weight parameters of the reserved area within which the universal service provider in each member state – An Post in the case of Ireland – has exclusive rights.
The purpose of the reserved area is to guarantee the provision of a universal service of a specified standard to all users throughout the State.
The Government is in favour of the gradual and controlled liberalisation of the Irish postal market. In my examination of the Commission's most recent proposals in this regard, my primary concern will be to ensure a continuing commitment to a uniform universal service for all users. My understanding is that there is no intention at EU level to depart from this principle.
