Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 7

Written Answers. - Litir um Thoghchán Distribution.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

32 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if An Post is paid for the distribution of Litir um Thoghchán during elections; the amount it will receive for the recent Euro elections; the terms and conditions of the contract; and if it allows the practice, as was carried out in parts of Dublin, where the items were held and delivered a day or two before election date from up to eight political parties at the same time which is not satisfactory from any candidate's point of view.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

An Post provides postal services free of charge to candidates in general elections and European elections in accordance with the provisions of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983. The cost of the service is met by the Exchequer. A final invoice for the postal costs of the recent European elections has not yet been received. However, An Post has estimated that the cost will be approximately £5 million. Logistical matters such as the timely delivery of items of postage are matters for An Post, as provider of the service.