asked the Minister for Communications the results of the most recent survey available to him on the speed of postal delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Delivery.
5.
As I indicated in reply to a question on this subject on 1 June 1988, An Post monitor the standard of their mail delivery service by means of internal checking procedures and independent surveys. An Post are committed to publishing the results of independent surveys commissioned by them and are concerned that these results should be totally representative of the performance of the postal service. To this end they have decided that surveys will be carried out at quarterly intervals and in consultation with the research agency involved have restructured the nature and extent of the survey. The first such survey is being carried out this month and results will be published by An Post as soon as possible thereafter.
Does the Minister not recall that back in June he said that the results of such a survey would be available to him at an early date?
I do, and the position is that An Post were not happy with the type and extent of the survey. It was a fairly limited survey and because it was not giving the type of information which I believe the House and the public are entitled to about the level of service from An Post a far more extensive survey is being carried out this month. I hope to have the survey, which will give the sort of information the House is entitled to published before Christmas.
May I ask the Minister to ensure that in reporting the results of the survey the true situation will not be concealed in overall averages and that it will show the inter-regional deliveries which are outside of the ordinary as well as the overall average figure?
I will try to ensure that maximum information is made available to the House.