Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
1136. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the introduction of Eircodes; if he will request an assessment on their uptake and usage and whether the uptake and usage is consistent with what was envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38051/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEircode, the National Postcode System for Ireland was launched on 13 July 2015. The Eircode system is a vital piece of national infrastructure and before its introduction Ireland was the only country within the OECD that did not have a National Postcode System. A successful national information campaign was completed over the summer to inform the public about Eircodes and promote their usage. During the dissemination phase of Eircodes, Amárach, an independent body, conducted two parallel surveys, a face-to-face survey of 1,200 households and 200 business premises. The results of the surveys showed that 89% of the public knew the Eircode for their address; a number in excess of the target set out for Capita, the Eircode contractor. Public sector bodies, such as the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Protection, have started using Eircodes in customer engagement and this process will continue over the coming months. In accordance with the contract for the development and maintenance of Eircodes, my Department has put in place reporting structures with Capita which will, inter alia, include information on the commercial use of the Eircode system. Since the launch, a total of 21 Value Added Resellers have been signed up to develop and sell products and services using Eircode databases.
