Brian O'Shea
Question:46 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the liberalisation of the postal services within the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24205/01]
Written Answers. - Postal Services.
Under existing European legislation postal items weighing 350 grams or more or costing at least five times the basic tariff are open to competition. Proposals by the EU Commission to reduce these weight and price limits to allow more competition and to agree a year in which full competition will be permitted are being discussed at the Council of Ministers. To date, the member states have been unable to reach an agreed position on the proposals.
In principle, Ireland is in favour of a gradual and controlled move to full liberalisation of the market provided there are safeguards to guarantee a nation-wide service of a specified quality at affordable prices.