asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if amending legislation is planned to cope with the problem of inability to comply with statutory time limits arising out of the postal dispute and if he will make a statement on the matter.

No such legislation is planned at present.

Has the Minister given any thought to the difficulties that may arise in this area and has he any plans to cope with them?

A check has been made with the various Departments. They have informed me that there is no need for amending legislation at present. If a change should arise to necessitate legislation, the matter will be considered.

Is the Minister aware of the difficulties, particularly in rural areas, in regard to the statutory limit for lodging planning appeals?

I have checked with the Department of the Environment and they say that there is no need at present for amending legislation.

Is the Minister aware that in regard to planning decisions there is a statutory provision under section 26 of the 1973 Act whereby a third party has to lodge his appeal within 21 days and the applicant within a month? How does the Minister suggest that people in rural areas can do this at present?

I am sure that the Department of the Environment are well aware of the situation. They are the experts in this matter and if they tell me that there is no need for legislation then there is no need for it.

With all due respect to the Department of the Environment in their ivory tower, I am aware that there is a problem and people have come to me in connection with the lodging of planning appeals. Will the Minister accept that there is a problem in that area and in other areas and will he do something about it if he will not solve the postal dispute?

I have given the Deputy the answer which I received from the Department of the Environment.

Is it the Minister's attitude that there is no problem?