Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
515 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered a cost saving measure for the postal service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27153/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post is statutorily required, as the designated universal service provider under the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011, to provide a universal postal service. The essential element of this obligation is the collection and delivery of mail to every address in the State on every working day.
The universal service obligation is a form of safety net, ensuring by way of regulatory obligations that a minimum set of services is provided at an affordable price for the benefit of all users, irrespective of their geographical location. It is a fundamental principle of the regulatory framework for postal services and is an explicit requirement of the EU Postal Services Directive which has provided for the gradual and controlled opening of the postal services market to competition.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Act of 2011 also makes provision for a compensation mechanism if it is found that the universal service obligation is an unfair burden on the designated universal service provider.
