DEIRDRE HEALY,
Madam, - There has been much debate and comment recently about the postal service and roadside letter-boxes. May I clarify a key aspect of the present situation: the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), chaired by Etain Doyle, is currently undertaking a public consultation which is seeking views on the universal service obligations of An Post.
One of these is An Post's statutory obligation to deliver mail every working day "to the home or premises of every natural or legal person" in the State. ComReg is carrying out this consultation in accordance with our obligations as set out in the legislation adopted by the Minister in accordance with the relevant EU Directives.
The consultation paper sets out how it is proposed to interpret the terms "home or premises" and "delivery" and specifically seeks the views of interested parties on the following questions:
1. Do you agree that, in the cases of existing residential buildings and commercial premises, the director (now ComReg) should regard the currently agreed delivery point as complying with the statutory obligation?
2. Do you agree that, in the case of new housing and other new buildings, the onus should be on An Post to agree with the developers, at the planning stage, what should be the most appropriate delivery arrangements?
3. Do you agree that An Post should continue its programme to persuade rural residents to use roadside letter-boxes by mutual agreement?
In each case, we would like to hear from respondents if they agree and if not, what alternatives they consider appropriate.
The debate on this issue has been confused by reports about An Post's plans to install 500,000 roadside letter boxes. I would like to emphasise that such a plan has not been submitted to ComReg, and that ComReg will not come to any conclusion about this matter or any other matters outlined in the paper until it has reviewed the responses to the consultation after the close of the consultation period on January 31st 2003.
Some complex argument may be put forward as to what constitutes "delivery to home or premises", whether delivery to a roadside letter box meets the statutory obligation. It should be noted that the interpretation of the legislation is a matter for ComReg, as regulator, which will evaluate all comments received.
We would very much welcome views from the public and all interested parties on these issues and also on all other matters in the paper - which include post codes and availability of places to post letters - as they will inform our final decisions on these matter.
The full consultation document (02/95) is available from our website, www.comreg.ie, and can also be requested from our office by ringing 01-8049600. - Yours, etc.,
DEIRDRE HEALY,
Public Affairs Manager,
Commission for
Communications Regulation,
Abbey Court,
Irish Life Centre,
Dublin 1.