asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he will state why the services of the special postman employed to deliver letters to a visitor taking the fishing at Mocollop Lodge, Ballyduff Upper, Waterford County, during the fishing season, should not be extended to the public generally, and whether he considers the expense of employing a special postman to deliver letters to one man to be justified if his services to the public during the whole year are not justified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Postal Service.
Seán Ua Guilidhe
Since 1927 a week-day frequency of delivery has been afforded during the fishing season to Carrigane Lodge, Mocollop Castle, and other places on the route of the Ballyduff to Carrigane rural post, because of the increased amount of correspondence for delivery due to the occupancy of the fishing lodges during the season. The amount of correspondence for delivery during the non-fishing season does not warrant a more frequent delivery than three days a week on any portion of the post.
Perhaps the Minister is not aware that though this is a rural district, there is a considerable amount of business transacted there all through the year. Would he not see his way to extend his postal facilities for a considerable portion of the year—during the spring season, for example—when business is more pressing?
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the increase in the amount of correspondence in the whole State will be taken into consideration when he comes to give his decision upon the proposal to cut down the service?
The amount of correspondence in this district in the fishing and in the non-fishing seasons has been taken into account. It is found that the additional correspondence in the fishing season warrants the daily delivery and more than compensates for the cost of these deliveries. During the non-fishing season, the amount of correspondence would not pay for the cost of delivery 6 days a week, or even 3 days. I cannot hope to recommend that the frequency be increased from 3 days a week. Deputy Davin's question does not arise.
It will arise in the near future.
May I ask what exactly is the basis upon which this calculation is made as to what warrants a daily delivery and what does not?
That is a separate question.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to reply to my question on the Supplementary Estimates?
That is also a separate question.