An Post postal charges
Bruton questioned whether Irish postal charges, said to be 25 per cent above EC levels, should be brought closer to the European average. Smith cited Ireland’s low population density and dispersed services, noting there had been no price increase since 1986; the exchange was cut short by the move to the next minister’s questions.
I would ask the Chair to bear in mind that this is my priority question. Is the Minister of State satisfied with the situation that postal charges here are currently 25 per cent dearer than in the EC? Is he further satisfied that there has been no commitment from An Post to do anything about correcting that beyond the end of 1988? Would he set for that company a target of moving to average European charges within a reasonable period?
Comment on this
It is extremely difficult to make exact comparisons between this country and other European countries. There is no argument about the fact that our postal services are considerably dearer. We have a low density population and a wide dispersal of those services around the country. If we had a higher population some of those problems would be solved. There has been no increase in these services since 1986 and we want to see a continual downward trend in this aspect of the services. It may not be possible to compete on a cost comparative basis with the European mainland but it is fair to say that the cost of our services is still too high.
Comment on this
Order, please. As it is now 3 o'clock I am obliged in accordance with Standing Orders to proceed to questions addressed to the Minister for Energy.