Postal rate increases
Leyden challenged the Minister’s claim that postal rates had not increased, citing airmail charges; the Minister clarified that normal stamp rates were unchanged, though parcel rates had been adjusted and some EC rates reduced. Carey said parcel charges had risen about 90 per cent and would hurt mail-order businesses, while the Minister defended the overall rate position.
The Minister has unwittingly misled the House by saying that there was no increase in his period as Minister.
Comment on this
The Minister is using words to mislead the House. There has been an increase which has affected the airmail business particulary from Shannon Airport——
Comment on this
It is only appropriate and fair that I should inform the House and the Minister of the fact that he is misleading the House.
Comment on this
Would the Ceann Comhairle not prefer me to say it here than to the press outside tomorrow?
Comment on this
Deputy Leyden is being mischievous. There has been no change in the normal postal rate since I became Minister. There were recent adjustments in certain postal rates for parcels and there have been certain reductions in the postal rates to EC countries.
Comment on this
In view of the Minister's reply, is he aware that this parcel postal rate increase is of the order of 90 per cent and will affect the mail order business?
Comment on this
There have been some adjustments in the postal rate for parcels and there have been some reductions in rates in some EC countries. We are doing very well in relation to postal rates, particularly in relation to the normal postal rate, which has not increased.